7 Ornamental Grasses That Overrun Gardens—and 7 Elegant Alternatives That Stay in Check

They attend innocent . elegant , even . But some ornamental grasses are garden bullies in camouflage — spreading fast , take over seam , and choking out everything in their way of life . What jump as a fashionable accent can coil into a full - blown intrusion . You plant one tuft , wink twice , and suddenly it ’s everywhere . The good news ? you could still get that windy , sculpturesque expression without surrender your garden . We ’ve rounded up seven grasses that are known trouble maker — and paired them with refined , well - behaved alternatives that play nice with your quad . Ready to take back control ? Let ’s go .

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass)

Known for its towering presence , Miscanthus sinensis catch with its feathery plume and refined arching stalks . However , its knockout masque a propensity to spread rapidly , eclipse other plants . Gardeners often discover themselves battling its invasive nature , as its seeds scatter wide , demonstrate colonies that are hard to control . It ’s a Greco-Roman case of too much of a good thing , where aesthetics add up at the cost of garden harmony .

Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)

Switchgrass is celebrated for its upright structure and power to persuade gracefully in the idle words , embodying a sense of movement . It tot up a touch of wilderness to gardens while staying in its designated space . Unlike its invasive counterparts , this Gunter Wilhelm Grass respects boundaries , ply an elegant solvent without the danger of invasion . Its versatility make it worthy for various landscapes , from formal gardens to prairie - style designs .

Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)

The allurement of Pennisetum setaceum lies in its arching , bottlebrush - like flowers . Yet , this sweetheart often come in with a price as it takes over garden spaces with its rampant emergence . The fragile plumes , while charming , can become a nurseryman ’s headache , seed prolifically and diffuse beyond their welcome . It ’s a grass that necessitate attention and can easy monopolise a garden if left unbridled .

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum alopecuroides offers a tasteful alternative with its compact manikin and graceful plumes . This diversity asseverate the ocular appeal of its first cousin without the aggressive spread . Its goodish growth habit makes it a favorite among gardeners look for drama without tragedy . The delicate , tan plumes total a gentle touch , providing texture and movement without infest neighboring plant life .

Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass)

Reed Canary Grass is notorious for its strong-growing nature , particularly in wetland environments . Its speedy spread and dense emergence can chop-chop go out native vegetation , creating a monoculture . While it offers an telling show of foliation , the bionomic impact often outweighs its ornamental value . This grass is better beseem for areas where its spread can be contained and managed in effect .

Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats)

Northern Sea Oats captivates with its unique , monotonous seminal fluid head that swing delicately from slender stems . Unlike Reed Canary Grass , this works is well - mannered , offering an eye - get showing without taking over . It ’s an excellent alternative for adding a touch of whimsy to shaded areas , providing a visual rhythm that complements rather than competes . Its adaptability to various status makes it a versatile garden fellow traveler .

Arundo donax (Giant Reed)

The impressive height of Arundo donax makes it a dramatic focal full stop but also a formidable invader . Its rapid ontogeny and grandiloquent , bamboo - corresponding stems can dwarf both plants and structure . In warm climates , it can be especially troublesome , spreading sharply and dominating landscape painting . This pasturage ask careful direction to prevent it from becoming an overwhelming front in the garden .

Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)

Indiangrass boasts favorable blossom capitulum that catch the sun beautifully , make it a garden favorite . Its non - trespassing nature allows it to coexist peacefully with other perennials . This dope provides a hint of prairie charm without the maintenance headache . It ’s a perfect selection for those seeking to incorporate ornamental weed into their landscape without fear of it taking over the garden .

Erianthus ravennae (Ravenna Grass)

Ravenna Grass remain firm tall with its statuesque strain and shimmering silver plumes . Its majestic appearance is gibe by its ability to pass around apace , often creating more work for gardeners than expect . While visually stunning , it can become a garden ruffian , overshadow its neighbors and demanding more space than it merit . This sens needs to be carefully managed to keep restraint over its growth .

Calamagrostis acutiflora (Feather Reed Grass)

Feather Reed Grass is celebrated for its erect growth and delicate feather , impart architectural stake without overwhelm its surroundings . Unlike Ravenna Grass , it remain well - behaved , have it a dependable addition to any garden . Its elegant form provide yr - round pursuit , stand grandiloquent through the wintertime months . It ’s an ideal choice for create anatomical structure and bowel movement in garden design .

Imperata cylindrica (Cogongrass)

Cogongrass captivates with its outstanding red hues but is ill-famed for its highly encroaching nature . It spreads through both seed and underground rhizome , often requiring significant effort to operate . This grass can predominate landscape painting , force out native plant and altering ecosystems . While its colour is appeal , the ecological cost is often too high for responsible nurseryman to warrant its comprehension in their plantings .

Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass)

Japanese Forest Grass offers a peaceful alternative with its soft , cascading form and vivacious green foliage . Its dim growth and clumping habit make it an idealistic selection for shaded areas where it can thrive without overtaking other plants . This grass adds a cutaneous senses of elegance and tranquility , make a calm atmosphere in any garden setting . It ’s perfect for those looking to introduce color and grain without the hassle of constant maintenance .

Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)

Mexican Feather Grass enchants with its easy , flow texture and shimmering golden step . Yet , its spell can be deceive , as it seeds prolifically , pass around into areas where it was never think . Gardeners may encounter themselves battling its encroachment more often than not . Though visually beguile , its encroaching nature requires vigilant management to prevent it from becoming a garden nuisance .

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

piddling Bluestem steals the show with its vibrant foliage that transition from blue - green to salient rust in autumn . Its non - invasive growth substance abuse and compact form make it a nurseryman ’s friend , providing mantrap without the brawl . This grass is perfect for add together seasonal pastime and color without the endangerment of it spreading into unwanted areas . It ’s a wonderful choice for those look for crushed - care elegance in their garden .

7 Ornamental Grasses That Overrun Gardens—and 7 Elegant Alternatives That Stay in Check