Grasses are not for mowing anymore! They are members of the Poaceae family with round, hollow, or solid stems that usually have regularly spaced, solid nodes. The basic inflorescence is a spikelet, grouped into a panicle, raceme, or spike.

Grasses find their place in gardens for purposes other than their value as lawn plants. Many are graceful and very ornamental in large borders or make a great isolated feature; some are useful in rock gardens or in perennial borders. And still some have beautiful panicles (which can double as cut flowers) or interesting foliage, which provides yearlong interest. Whatever the situation, there is sure to be a grass to fill it.

In this section, we have ornamental grasses and “grass-like” plants; some are classified as grasses while others behave or resemble grasses and their attributes.