Grasses make their debut in the Plant Photo Gallery as we introduce eight species from the Grass (Poaceae) family.
Grasses make their debut in the Plant Photo Gallery as we introduce eight species from the Grass (Poaceae) family.
Blue grama kicks off the grass introduction as the March 2010 featured plant. Not only do its seed heads attract birds, they have been said to predict how severe a winter will be.
As you check out the other grass additions, be sure to read about Sideoats grama, which like its first cousin, Blue grama, is found in the wild as well as an ornamental grass in cultivated gardens. You’ll discover that delicate Indian rice grass is highly nutritious and has long historic “roots.” Learn about Canada wildrye that prefers moist soil and how Kentucky bluegrass came by its common name. Does Sleepygrass make one drowsy? Don’t miss the dry life zone grasses such as fluffy Squirreltail and ubiquitous Ring muhly.
They’re all in the Plant Photo Gallery, listed by common names on the index page. Click on the common name for a full description and larger photographs. While you’re in the Photo Gallery, be sure to browse through all the other plants too.
Grasses are the landscape canvas; and because they often provide the background for the showier plants are sometimes overlooked. However, they certainly hold their own when it comes to beauty and usefulness. One only has to take notice.
In the coming years, more grass species will be added to the Plant Photo Gallery. Stay tuned.
The eight grass species and their botanical names are:
Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis)
Grama grasses:
Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
Side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides)
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
Ring muhly (Muhlenbergia torreyi)
Sleepygrass (Stipa robusta)
Squirreltail (Elymus longifolius)
Find out more about how Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates, cultivates and conserves the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of the region. Visit www.santafebotanicalgarden.org