Diarrhena obovata - BEAK GRASS (BEAK GRAIN)

Attractive native woodland grass for half shade or shade, spreading and partially ground covering.

Usually 2' tall x 2-3' wide, slowly spreading. Nice shiny, erect blades that arch nicely. This grass can be a thug, so it may not be the best option for conventional shade garden, but it's definitely good option for more naturalistic planting or where some spreading and natural look is allowed.

Half shade, shade, dappled shade, average to rich soil, medium-moist, medium-dry, medium-wet. Tolerates seasonal flooding and likes moist rich soil, but it's pretty adaptable.

Big seeds can feed woodland and upland birds, host plant for caterpillars of Dwarf Buff Moth.

Native to bigger portion of eastern USA, see the USDA distribution map.

Best for naturalizing or erosion control along the stream banks or woodland slopes, native plant gardens. It looks well with medium-sized clump perennial with contrasting (non-grassy) structure like Aquilegia canadensis, Aruncus, Aster divaricatus, Aster macrophyllus, Geranium maculatum, Heuchera, Gillenia, Penstemon (digitalis, calycous or smallii), Persicaria virginiana, Polygonatum, Rudbeckia fulgida, Solidago amplexicaulis, Solidago caesia, Tradescantia, Tiarella and and spring ephemerals.

Pot size : square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot

Picture copyright : US Perennials nursery