native grass lawn maryland

which covers twelve of the most commonly seen snakes in the state. emmonsii) in Oak-Heath Forest in Alexandria, Virginia. Rod Simmons, Maryland Native Plant Society. Shrubs (think native!) for a touch of color in between the patches. In addition to the nurseries on the Maryland Native Plant Society website, nurseries such as Chesapeake Valley Seed, Ernst Conservation Seed and Prairie Moon Nursery also provide seeds. As it grows, the edges will curl, and it can tolerate occasional mowing and moderate foot traffic. I also have been busy updating our Snakes of Maryland pages to reflect recent changes in taxonomy. Field pussytoes is a spreading perennial wildflower that forms rosettes of leaves. Clearing vegetation can include repeat tilling, smothering and/or herbicide treatment. Midwest Shortgrass Native Grass Seed Mix is a low-maintenance blend perfect for adding year-long interest to meadows, lawns, and garden beds. Please request product samples from your sales representative. It is a wonderful, clump-forming perennial grass. Habitat Tips: Lawn Alternatives Maryland soil tends to be more acidic than grass seed prefers, and a quick test will allow you to determine exactly how much lime to add to raise the pH without increasing the risk of disease. Several species of skippers feed upon poverty oat grass. Sedges are an excellent grass-like alternative when … They can tolerate light foot traffic but cannot be mowed. pages to reflect recent changes in taxonomy. Out of State: 410-260-8DNR (8367), For more information on human trafficking in Maryland click. These native grasses will also attract beneficials and tend to be deer resistant as well. Consider selecting a small area to start with to perfect your replacement approach. 2019. For many native “lawns,” it will take 2-3 years for the plants to become fully established. Native perennials like these provide valuable food and habitat for local wildlife and pollinators. Happy in just about any, average soil. Sedge (left) and Grasses (right), Glen Burnie, Maryland, September 2014. Meadows and Prairies: Wildlife-Friendly Alternatives to Lawn It can even grow in rocky conditions but does not tolerate rich soils. Be sure to have the answers to these questions before selecting plants so you know which plants will work the best. It remains brown well into the spring and turns brown again with the first fall frost. 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis MD 21401. Turk's Cap Lily. St. Augustine grass produces a denser lawn when mowed at a lower height of 2 ½ to 3 inches. 2. Click here to have HabiChat—the quarterly backyard wildlife habitat newsletter from the Wild Acres program—delivered right to your inbox! This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. Consider dragging a rake through the soil to remove potential clumps and to mix in seed. Joe Pye Weed. The transition zone is a region of the United States where temperate and subtropical climates meet. Silver Gem Violets– Viola walteri ‘Silver Gem’ is a great deer resistant, shade tolerant plant that is … Are there any areas that don’t get much use that would be easy to replace with alternative plants? This evergreen sedge produces attractive, dense tufts of foliage from short rhizomes. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Several species of skippers feed upon poverty oat grass. Poverty oat grass grows in clumps but is usually pretty sparse. Once established, a lawn full of native plants almost never needs watering, which will make your lawn the most attractive in your neighborhood when drought turns all the other yards brown. Don’t forget to add water to your landscapes as well! Zoysia is easy to identify because its leaves are covered with stiff hairs. Maryland is located in a climate transition zone which is not favorable for growing lawn grasses. How do you use your current lawn? Consider adding spring beauty (. When flowering, plants are around one foot tall and can spread up to a foot via runners. Size: 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide What we Love: It’s an interesting stand-alone grass because of its broad, open habit, and gorgeous flower/seed. For questions regarding fawns, check out our. Consider hand pulling any weedy vegetation to allow your new plants to thrive. 2019. Consider selecting a small area to start with to perfect your replacement approach. We are now in peak bloom time for many local plant species, as well as peak activity for local wildlife. Native Grass Mixtures A selection of 11 regional native grass mixtures specifically developed for each region. Well we believe every landscape needs some grasses to help change the style and […] Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. We are an organization of plant and nature enthusiasts run by dedicated volunteers. Yellow Indiangrass. How wet or dry is the site? Great Blue Lobelia. Plant plugs 8-12” apart. Installing a native grass area requires work and money up front, but is expected to repay the gardener with a healthier lawn that needs little or no water, uses no pesticides or fertilizers, and needs less frequent or no mowing. Select Plants. Shine Block ™: Shine Block ™ blade profiles reduce the reflective quality of the fiber allowing our grass to appear more like a healthy, well-trimmed, natural lawn. Photo by R.H. Simmons. Thank you very much for your help. For red fescue, a higher mowing height of … It can tolerate moderate foot traffic. New Moon Nursery website. Panicum virgatum, via flickr (Matt Lavin). This sedge grows in dense, mounded tufts that rarely are higher than eight inches. Consider adding lyre-leaved sage (Salvia lyrata) or bluets (Houstonia sp.) 3. Cover the lawn with heavy-gauge black plastic for a few weeks. 1. Help us keep Maryland’s gardens sustainable by … These grasses usually grow from two to four feet high. Upland oaks and poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), parasol sedge (Carex umbellata), lichens, mosses and diminutive wildflowers in Arlington, Virginia. Finally, keep in mind that deer are currently giving birth. Native grasses will not grow in as thickly and may not provide the pristine, quintessential look of a traditional lawn. Hilty, J. As it grows, the edges will curl, and it can tolerate occasional mowing and moderate foot traffic. Roll soil to firmly press seeds into raked soil and mulch with weed-free straw and water. PRAIRIE GOLD NATIVE GRASS MIX Prairie Gold is a composite of deep rooted, perennial, low maintenance native grass species. sp.) New Moon Nursery website. Site Selection. For many years, the American lawn has been viewed as a status symbol. There is help on the horizon - call SYNLawn Chesapeake Bay and we can install an artificial grass lawn, landscaped to perfection and you can trim those bills down by omitting those expenses of lawn upkeep and maintenance. Weigh it down with bricks, rocks, or use plastic landscaping stakes. It can grow 1-2’ in height. It grows well in part-sun conditions in moist to mesic soils that are alkaline. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. 6. Brown, J. and K. Brown. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. Plant plugs 8-12” apart. While there are many advantages to establishing a lawn with native grass there will be some drawbacks versus using the standard “grass seed” we are all familiar with. Hilty, J. PLS = (purity x germination)/100. Below are some turf grass alternatives that are native to Maryland and are often easy to find at native plant nurseries. Eastern Columbine. Replacing your lawn with something better. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season grass that is an excellent replacement for invasive Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis).This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. Native lawn of poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), parasol sedge (Carex umbellata), lichens and mosses under mixed upland oaks in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Plant plugs 1’ apart. Plant plugs 1’ apart. For example, some herbicides cannot be used near water and others are best for killing grasses but not flowers. It is always best to plant for your site to decrease or eliminate the need for supplemental water and/or fertilizers. Songbirds and upland gamebirds enjoy the seeds. For questions regarding fawns, check out our Deer Fawn page. PA CRP Job Sheet – … This grass can sometimes be difficult to establish from seed, so give it time or consider purchasing plugs. Southeast Native Grass Seed Mix Containing Wildrye, Purpletop, Little Bluestem, and Broomsedge, this native grass seed mixture features both warm and cool-season grasses. Switchgrass Native Grass Seed This perennial grass is quite tall, reaching heights of five feet in many instances. There is no type of turfgrass that is native to Maryland, and lawn, in general, does not grow well in saturated conditions. Native grasses are sold in pounds of Pure Live Seed (PLS). Pennsylvania sedge is a semi-evergreen native sedge that thrives in part sun conditions. Consider adding lyre-leaved sage (. Unfortunately, during the early stages of establishment, weeding is important to maximize the success of your new plantings. During this time, maintenance may be needed to mow and remove weeds as your new plants grow to maturity. Wool Rush or Wool Grass. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. Cardinal Flower. Artificial Grass in Virginia, Maryland & DC. Most turf grass alternatives are best sown or planted in fall or spring. Plants can spread via rhizomes but are not aggressive. Weed. It grows best in mesic to moist soils in part sun to shade. This grass can sometimes be difficult to establish from seed, so give it time or consider purchasing plugs. Clear Existing Vegetation. Consider planting alone or adding in between clumps of grasses or sedges. It can withstand moderate foot traffic as well. Below are some turf grass alternatives that are native to Maryland and are often easy to find at native plant nurseries. It is important to note that many of the recommendations below can sustain moderate amounts of foot traffic but may not be suitable to areas that get a lot of use. Mary Pat Rowan, Landscape Architect, Maryland Native Plant Society. For a list of suppliers, check out the Maryland Native Plant Society website. It can even grow in rocky conditions but does not tolerate rich soils. In addition, thanks to Rod Simmons, Natural Resource Manager and Plant Ecologist with the City of Alexandria, I have included a short article on alternatives to traditional lawn. When you remove it, be prepared with your lawn replacement plan in place. For more detailed information on how to install and maintain these areas, check out this article from The Habitat Network. Consider adding spring beauty (Claytonia virginica) or bluets (Houstonia sp.) This article and many of its associated photos are thanks to Rod Simmons, Natural Resource Manager and Plant Ecologist with the City of Alexandria. One excellent native grass for Baltimore is Panicum virgatum, or switchgrass. Native Grasses Landscape Design Build Clear Spring MD Contractor Native Grasses for Washington County Maryland for 2021 with Grosh’s Lawn Service Are you looking to add a splash of whimsical to your landscape in 2021? Once you have selected and assessed your site, you should clear the existing vegetation. The little lawn pictured above is used by this homeowner much the same way traditional, non-native turf is used. Expert Response. This petite, cool season grass grows best in poor, dry soil in full sun to part-shade. Traditional lawns also support few wildlife species. Have you ever considered native grasses? This lawn consists of mowed clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis), a native to most of the U.S and Canada. Native wildflowers. I am also excited to announce a new Common Snakes of Maryland Photo Guide which covers twelve of the most commonly seen snakes in the state. Plant! To help local wildlife, consider replacing non-native grass lawns with native alternatives. Native Plant Profile: Mountain Mint, Call toll-free in *Maryland* at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367) Warm Season Grasses & Wildlife (DNR) 100 Poisonous Plants of Maryland (University of Maryland) Grasses, Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2015. * The color in the photography may appear differently than actual product. Traditional lawns, described as a single warm season grass species like zoysia or bermuda, completely covering a yard space and maintained at three inches or shorter, are unfortunately often ecological wastelands that require excess water, nutrients, pesticides and maintenance. It grows best in part to full shade and in moist to dry soils. of gypsum per 1,000 square feet to break up and aerate the soil. It can also tolerate growing in rocky environments. for a touch of color between the clumps. Finally, keep in mind that deer are currently giving birth. How much space do you have? This sedge is clump forming and can be mowed around three inches high. In this issue of HabiChat, you can learn about a lovely group of perennial flowers known as mountain mints, as well as a common backyard snake – the eastern ratsnake. The first step is always to select the site of interest. Maryland soil also tends toward clay--Bob Wentworth of Wentworth Nursery suggests adding 40 lbs. All of the plants listed below do not require mowing, but some of the species can be occasionally mowed to achieve a … Turf Grass Alternatives. It thrives in full sun to part sun in dry, clay soils. They are, therefore, very vulnerable to mowing if the only grasses in your yard are turf-grasses. The first step is always to select the site of interest. It can tolerate shade but becomes sparse in growth. All of the plants listed below do not require mowing, but some of the species can be occasionally mowed to achieve a shorter height. ... are also deeper than that of typical lawn grass, and so they are better at holding soil and capturing rainwater. Research local plant suppliers. This grass seed from Scotts grows into a thick, lush lawn with fine-blades. As summer ripens, check out some of our previous HabiChat articles on topics such as Xeriscaping, Minimizing Pesticide Impacts to Pollinators or Growing Your Own Seed. This sedge performs best in dry, acidic soil and can spread in the right conditions. Minimizing Pesticide Impacts to Pollinators, to your landscapes as well! https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/ Accessed May 28, 2019. Mowing Native Lawns. These mixes are ideal for planting for rangeland / … Butterfly Weed. Consider if you would rather buy seeds, which are often cheaper but take more time to establish, or if you would rather invest in plugs. This petite, cool season grass grows best in poor, dry soil in full sun to part-shade. Photo by R.H. Simmons. Extensive colony of Emmons’ Sedge (Carex albicans var. are great alternatives to lawns. I also have been busy updating our. Replace typical lawn grass with native wildflowers, grasses and ground covers, and you’ll have a lawn that needs little more than annual mowing. Featuring a variety of low-growing grasses native to the Midwest, including Blue Grama Grass, Sand Dropseed, and Prairie Junegrass, this mix creates habitat for birds and local wildlife. This sedge grows in dense, mounded tufts that rarely are higher than eight inches. What it needs: Full sun. Plant plugs 12-18” apart. for a touch of color between the clumps. Assess Site Conditions. Maryland Native Plant Society(MNPS) promotes awareness, apprecia - tion, and conservation of Maryland's native plants and their habitats through education, research, advocacy, and service. Once established, the time needed to weed and manage the area should be minimal. Poverty oat grass grows in clumps but is usually pretty sparse. To promote a dense, healthy lawn adjust your mowing practices according to the species of grass growing. It seems like spring has quickly blossomed into summer! For many native “lawns,” it will take 2-3 years for the plants to become fully established. This Asian grass was first discovered growing in small patches in Patapsco Valley State Park in the 1990s. By selecting native plants suited for your site, you can reduce the time and supplies needed to maintain turf grass and can provide habitat for wildlife in the process. How do you use your current lawn? Photo by R.H. Simmons. Pennsylvania sedge clumps at Scotts Arboretum by Susan Harris CC by 2.0. It’s made with a WaterSmart PLUS coating that reduces the amount of water it needs to stay healthy. It is important to note that many of the recommendations below can sustain moderate amounts of foot traffic but may not be suitable to areas that get a lot of use. It grows best in part to full shade and in moist to dry soils. Plants can spread via rhizomes but are not aggressive. It can tolerate light foot traffic and can be mowed a couple times per season. If planting plugs, be sure to pay attention to suggested spacing and spread guidelines. Is the soil relatively nutrient poor or is it rich? for a touch of color in between the patches. This cool season grass is the best choice if you want a long-lasting green lawn. Native (Meet the locals) There are many types of ornamental grasses you can grow, but the benefit of planting native grass is that it will require the least care because the species was bred for or native to your area and climate. Plant plugs 1.5-2’ apart. Grasses, Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2015. Brown, J. and K. Brown. Native Animal Profile: Eastern Ratsnake sp.) Scientists don’t know how it arrived here, but within a decade, it had spread to cover thousands of acres on public and private land in both Maryland and Virginia, the only two states where it … In this Issue The clumps of leaves are around eight inches tall. The mix is comprised of Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, Switchgrass, Sideoats Grama, Blue Grama and Western Wheatgrass. Often, it takes two to four months to completely clear an area of turf grasses. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. Simmons, R. H. 2019. Appalachian brown butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and birds, such as woodcock, ruffed grouse and sparrows, eat the seeds. Plant plugs 12-18” apart. Grow a mixed native grass lawn to get more lushness and weed resistance than you’re used to seeing in your traditional lawn. During this time, maintenance may be needed to mow and remove weeds as your new plants grow to maturity. Eastern Star Sedge by Daderot – Own work, CC0. It can tolerate light foot traffic and can be mowed a couple times per season. The seed can cover an area up to 4,660 square feet in size. Fireflies are active at night, and spend their days resting on blades of grass. Photos by Diane F. Evartt. There are about 350 species of grasses in Maryland. Cool-season turfgrasses such turf-type tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are adapted to temperate climates whereas warm-season grasses like zoysiagrass grow best in subtropical regions. Call toll-free in *Maryland* at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367) Out of State: 410-260-8DNR (8367) If using herbicides, be sure to only apply as directed and to choose herbicides suited for your site and needs. Personal communication. It can tolerate moderate foot traffic. Alison Sterling, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. Illinois Wildflowers website. Seed suppliers can often assist with determining the amount of seed needed for particular areas, as well as the best way to plant seeds. In the wild, it is often found under oaks. They are the primary plants found in native meadows and there are even grasses, such as Eastern bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix), that thrive in our state’s shaded woodland areas. 4. It is non-toxic, effective, and inexpensive. Illinois Wildflowers website. In the wild, it is often found under oaks. 5. How long does water pool after a storm? Howard County Maryland. Reduce Lawn Area with Native Groundcovers ... Rhexia mariana, Maryland or Pale Meadow Beauty ... Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass [Although small and has grass-like leaves, it is a miniature member of the Iris family.] Ornamental grasses are a popular landscaping elements used for backdrops and screening. For more detailed information on how to install and maintain these areas, check out. Consider adding mulch in between plugs until fully established. The foliage gets up to two feet tall and can be aggressive in bare soil conditions. http://www.newmoonnursery.com/ Accessed May 28, 2019. Little Bluestem. Crabgrass is native to the tropics and in Maryland is considered a summer annual since it germinates in spring once soil temperatures reach 55-57° F. The typical phenological (plant-based) indicator of 50°F soil temperature for applying crabgrass pre-emergent products coincides with forsythia near or at peak bloom. If planting seeds, pay attention to guidelines and make sure the soil is clump-free before spreading seed. 2019. 2019. Maryland's temperate environment is home to many ornamental lawn grasses such as sweet flag, blue fescue, Mexican feather grass and northern sea oats. It turns green in early spring and is… Maryland Grasses; Invasive & Introduced Grasses. American painted lady butterflies feed on the foliage and small bees pollinate the flowers. Eastern star sedge has dainty star-shaped inflorescences (flowers) that rise above fine, clumped leaves. A native grass lawn may fit your needs and give extra benefits over traditional turfgrass. Plant plugs 1’ apart. PLS is important because native grass seed tends to be significantly lower in purity and germination than introduced cool-season grass seed. . Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies, Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards. Native Indian Grass is tolerant of an array of soil types, including heavy clay. Lawn Grass Seed Native Grass Seed Ornamental Grass Seed Pasture ... Zoysiagrass - This is the only warm-season grass grown as a lawn in Maryland.