Common Ornamental Invasive Grass Types To Avoid

Ornamental grasses have become exceedingly popular with home gardeners and landscapers, and for good reason. There are over 10,000 species that add movement and drama, all while giving a naturalized look to the landscape. Most grasses will stay self contained, but there are some species that are quite invasive. While ornamental grasses are highly sought after, you do want to avoid invasive ornamental grass varieties. So which ornamental grasses are invasive?

Some grasses, usually non-native grasses that are high-seeding or those with a running habit, can become invasive.

A prime example of this is bamboo. Bamboo comes in two types: running and clumping. Running bamboo spreads by underground rhizomes and can be highly invasive. The rampant spread of bamboo results in the crowding out of native species, both plant and animal. It should never be planted unless it’s installed in a deep container that the rhizomes cannot escape. Interestingly, digging up this type of bamboo to control it actually contributes to its spread.

An example of an ornamental grass that’s invasive due to vigorous seed production is Mexican Feather grass. Recently added to California’s list of invasive plants, beautiful Mexican Feather grass has been an incredibly popular specimen sought after for its graceful fountain-like plumes.

However, Mexican Feather grass produces more than 10,000 seeds that are dispersed by wind, water, and animal feces. These seeds remain viable for more than four years, quadrupling its invasive potential. Like bamboo, it outcompetes native plant and animal species, crowding out pasture and native grasses and spreading into urban and agricultural areas, riparian zones, disrupted land, and forests.

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