LET884 Pink Cloud ( Muhlenbergia capillaris "Pink Cloud" )
Dense clouds of vivid pink, long blooming, drought tolerant, Coated seed for easy sowing, for garden or cut, perennial, grows 18" tall, hardy to zone 5.
SF203 Moudry ( Pennisetum alopecuroides viridescens
)
Black foxtail-like flowers in fall, lush green foliage,
perennial, good cutting material, grows 36" tall, hardy to zone
4.
LET825 Rabbits Foot Grass ( Polypogon monspeliensis )
For a spring and early summer ornamental grass, start Polypogon monspeliensis seeds and enjoy this fast growing, attractive annual. Common names for this grass are Annual Rabbitsfoot Grass or Annual Beardgrass. This ornamental grass is not picky about soil, and it tolerates moist to wet soils where other grasses will not grow.
3727 Chairmaker's Rush ( Scirpus pungens )
The stems of this native rush were actually used for weaving sturdy chair seats in years gone by. This perennial is a widespread species and is used extensively in wetland restoration projects.
The strong triangular blades of this plant provided ribs for basket weaving, while the softer circular stems were often used for thatch or for finer weaving purposes. Though not a true rush, this member of the sedge family provides forage for water birds and small rodents. Occasionally, even the regal trumpeter swan and the Canada goose eat its foliage. A tough plant, it survives many types of hardship and is often used for erosion control or wetland restoration. The genus name "Scirpus" is the Latin term for bulrush.
Direct sow either in late fall or early spring. Press the seed into the surface of the soil, compacting the soil very firmly. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil saturated until germination.
Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established. This plant prefers soil that is constantly moist and saturated, and thrives in shallow water or mud. It adapts to many soil types, including sand and gravel with adequate moisture. It will spread by rhizomes and self-seeding; mature plants can be divided. This plant makes an excellent choice for erosion control or wetland restoration, and provides forage and cover for birds and other wildlife. It also performs well in water gardens or on stream banks. For zones 2-11.
LET753 Pheasant Tails ( Stipa arundinacea )
Drought tolerant ornamental grasses add great texture and interest in the mixed border or xeriscape garden and this Pheasant's Tail grass is no exception. Grown from Stipa seeds, this clumping evergreen has narrow blades that arch gracefully and are streaked with coppery orange. In midsummer, pendent flowers open that are purplish green and give a misty appearance. Also called New Zealand Wind Grass, this drought tolerant ornamental grass is popular for its delightful form, colors, and drought tolerance where water conservation is becoming more and more important.
How To Grow Seeds: Many gardeners grow Stipa seeds in a cold frame for protection and hardiness. Start Pheasant's Tail grass seeds in the late winter or early spring. Sow the ornamental grass seeds in quality, well-draining seed starting mix and press the seeds into the soil. Keep the Stipa seeds moist until germination occurs. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, move into a pot and allow to grow on. Transplanting can be done in spring or summer after all frost danger has passed. Ornamental grass care includes trimming the plant back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Fertilize each spring. Propagation from division can be done in the spring as well.
A perennial for zones 8-10. Will form clumps 30 inches tall and 36 inches wide when mature outside or a good pot plant.
NW57 Angel Hair ( Stipa tenuissima )
A taller selection than Pony Tails for those who like long
legs, for mid border or cut, very angelic. Grows 36" tall,
hardy to zone 7.
LET710 Narrow Leaf Cattail ( Typha angustifolia )
A unique and useful plant for wet areas. It can be used in water gardens, bog gardens, ponds. It will naturalize in wetland areas. Flower spikes are very popular additions to dried flower arrangements.
Narrowleaf cattail is easily identifiable from a distance because of its distinctive, narrow, blade-like green leaves (each to 5' long and 5/16" wide) and its stiff unbranched flower stalk which blooms from May to July and is topped by a poker-like, sausage-brown flower spike (5/8 to 1 1/4" diameter) which purportedly resembles a cattail.
A marginal, semi-aquatic, herbaceous perennial that typically grows from extensive creeping rhizomes to 3-7’ tall, often forming, over time, dense stands of robust spreading vegetation. It is native to wet, often mucky soils, including areas of shallow water to 12" deep, in fresh and brackish marshes, swamps, ditches, water margins of rivers and ponds, and along various other wetland areas in North America, Europe and Asia.
Narrowleaf cattail has year-round edible uses: (a) the peeled rhizomes can be cooked like potatoes or dried and made into protein-rich flour which can be added as a thickener for soups; (b) the young spring shoots are juicy with a nutty flavor and can be used as an asparagus substitute; (c) the young immature flowers can be boiled and eaten somewhat like corn on the cob; (d) the base of the leaves can be eaten like an artichoke; (e) the flowers can be eaten raw or cooked.
Leaves are not edible but may be woven into mats, seats and baskets.
Typha can be used as a source of starch to produce ethanol. Because of their high productivity in northern latitudes, Typha are considered to be a bioenergy crop. A perennial plant for zones 2-11.
Ornamental Wheat
JB078 Silver Tip Wheat ( Triticosecale spp. )
Easy-to-grow grass with a fresh look. Green-to-white glumes and awns. 4" heads (not counting the awns). Easy textural element for fresh and dried bouquets. Vigorous wheat/rye cross. Ht. 24–36".