#sedges — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #sedges, aggregated by home.social.
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Some really good ideas here... Replacing #TallGrasses with #Sedges, getting rid of #Periwinkle (though maybe not all of it, since it is an early flowering plant), replacing #Pachysandra with #SweetWoodruff, etc., etc.
17 #TickAttracting Plants You Should Avoid In Your Yard (And What To Grow Instead)
By Hattie Grigsby
July 15, 2025"A stunning yard shouldn’t double as a tick playground—but surprisingly, some popular landscape plants invite them in. Dense groundcovers like pachysandra or #ivy create cool, shaded spots where ticks love to hide, making your outdoor space riskier than it looks.
"Swapping those out for smarter choices can make a big difference. Consider tick-resistant alternatives like #lavender, #rosemary, or ornamental grasses—plants that still offer beauty without creating cozy tick hangouts. Plus, many of these double as #PollinatorFriendly and #DroughtTolerant options."
#SolarPunkSunday #TickRepellents #SpendTimeInNature #BeSafeOutdoors #TickSafety #Gardening
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#NewZealand (#Aotearoa) - #NativePlants - an introduction to #SeedCollection, #propagation and on-farm nurseries
Excerpt: "Collecting seeds
A common method of sourcing seeds is called #EcoSourcing. Eco-sourcing seeds refers to collecting seeds from native plants that are already established in your area. This allows you to grow plants that have adapted to, and are suited to, your local #climatic conditions, and therefore your plants are more likely to survive.
Some considerations for eco-sourcing, as identified by the Department of Conservation, include:
- planting species that you know to be native to the local area
- collecting seed from as close to your restoration area as possible
- collecting seed from a similar ecosystem/environment to that to which you are restoring
- trying to collect your seeds from plants that are natively occurring rather than those that have been plantedWhile eco-sourcing is a great habit to get into, there is also nothing wrong with introducing new species into your restoration areas. Some considerations for this would include:
- is this species likely to be able to survive in this environment?
- is this species and its characteristics suitable? Is this the right plant for this particular planting site?When it comes to collecting seeds from plants, late-Summer to Autumn is most commonly the time when seeds are ready for collection due to drying off/berries ripening etc. However, the timing of seeds being ready to collect is species dependent.
The Department of Conservation has created calendars and guides for seed collection for some common native #tree species, as well as #grasses, #sedges and #flaxes, which can be accessed by the links below."#SolarPunkSunday #NativePlantsNewZealand #Gardening #GardeningInNewZealand #SouthernHemisphereGardening
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How Do You Design A #WildlifeCorridor For #Maine Garden Design?
Excerpt:
"Plant Palette: #NativeSpecies and Layering for Maine
Choose plants that are native to your Maine ecoregion and that provide multiple functions: forage, cover, nesting structure, and seasonal continuity.
- Canopy and large trees (plant for future shade and mast): white pine (Pinus strobus), red #maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), red oak (Quercus rubra), balsam fir.
- Small trees and large shrubs (structure and fruit): serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), crabapple (Malus spp. native selections), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
- Shrubs for berries and cover: highbush #blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), #winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), highbush #cranberry (Viburnum trilobum), black #chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), #elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), #bayberry (Morella pensylvanica).
- Herbaceous layer and pollinator plants: common #milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), joe-pye weed (Eutrochium spp.), #asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), #goldenrod (Solidago spp.), mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.), columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
- Groundcover and forest floor: bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), sedges (Carex spp.), native ferns where appropriate.
- Wetland edge species for riparian corridors: blueflag iris (Iris versicolor), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), #sedges, and #NativeRushes.Plant choice should reflect site moisture, sunlight, and soil pH. Avoid ornamental cultivars with little #wildlife value and never plant species known to be invasive in Maine such as Japanese #barberry or #bittersweet."
Learn more:
https://cultivatingflora.com/how-do-you-design-a-wildlife-corridor-for-maine-garden-design/#SolarPunkSunday #WildlifeCorridor #NativeSpecies #GardeningForPolinators #Rewilding
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How Do You Design A #WildlifeCorridor For #Maine Garden Design?
Excerpt:
"Plant Palette: #NativeSpecies and Layering for Maine
Choose plants that are native to your Maine ecoregion and that provide multiple functions: forage, cover, nesting structure, and seasonal continuity.
- Canopy and large trees (plant for future shade and mast): white pine (Pinus strobus), red #maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), red oak (Quercus rubra), balsam fir.
- Small trees and large shrubs (structure and fruit): serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), crabapple (Malus spp. native selections), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
- Shrubs for berries and cover: highbush #blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), #winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), highbush #cranberry (Viburnum trilobum), black #chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), #elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), #bayberry (Morella pensylvanica).
- Herbaceous layer and pollinator plants: common #milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), joe-pye weed (Eutrochium spp.), #asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), #goldenrod (Solidago spp.), mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.), columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
- Groundcover and forest floor: bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), sedges (Carex spp.), native ferns where appropriate.
- Wetland edge species for riparian corridors: blueflag iris (Iris versicolor), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), #sedges, and #NativeRushes.Plant choice should reflect site moisture, sunlight, and soil pH. Avoid ornamental cultivars with little #wildlife value and never plant species known to be invasive in Maine such as Japanese #barberry or #bittersweet."
Learn more:
https://cultivatingflora.com/how-do-you-design-a-wildlife-corridor-for-maine-garden-design/#SolarPunkSunday #WildlifeCorridor #NativeSpecies #GardeningForPolinators #Rewilding
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So, I've been attempting to do this. I have a few patches established and try to increase them every year...
Turning a #SepticField into a #wildflower #meadow
by Anna, January 18, 2023
"When I mentioned not wanting to turn our septic field into the traditional mowed lawn, Travis Sparks wrote in to share his impressive mini-meadow, started in 2017 atop his #Maine septic field.
First step turning a septic field into a wildflower meadow
" 'I mowed the area down as low as I could in late spring 2017,' he wrote, 'spread a thin layer of compost over the whole area, broadcast a variety of both perennial [be careful about root depth if using perennials -- or annuals for that matter] and annual seed mixes over it, and lightly raked everything. I mowed it a couple more times that year (higher cut) to try to knock the competition back while things germinated, and then left it be.'
" 'I just had sparse grasses and wildflowers to start (nothing woody) before doing any of this, so the competition wasn’t too strong early on. It was reasonably successful the following year.'
"Travis wasn’t entirely thrilled with wildflower establishment, though, so he repeated the process in late spring 2019 including 'another very light top-dressing of compost since the leach field soil is mostly just sandy fill.' The results that year were even more inspiring...
"[2021 update] Travis wrote that after the establishment phase, he hasn’t done anything to keep the meadow on track (although I suspect he’ll have to mow now and then to keep woody plants out).
"I’m so impressed by his success, which turns his septic field into habitat for pollinators and lots of other wildlife. Have you turned a blah septic field into an integral part of your homestead? If so, I’d love to hear about it!"
https://wetknee.com/turning-a-septic-field-into-a-wildflower-meadow/
#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #NativeGrasses #WildflowerMeadows #Sedges #Rewilding #NativeGrasses #GardeningForPollinators
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9 #NativeGrasses That Will Revitalize Your Sad, Water-Wasting Lawn
Turn your yard into a living fireworks show while saving money, time, and #nature.
by Helen Bradshaw
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForBirds #Rewilding #Grasslands #WaterIsLife #Gardening #LessLawns #Sedges
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#Maine: #Grasses, #Sedges and #Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"When most of us step into our gardens or take a walk in the woods and stumble across a patch of plants with long and slender leaves and large seed heads, we assume we’re looking at a type of grass. However, there’s an enormous amount of diversity in the plant world, and plants that we think are grasses may actually be rushes or sedges. Knowing how to differentiate these plants—collectively known as graminoids—can be a fun exercise in plant identification; it’s also helpful for determining what plants will grow best in your native garden.
"Recently, I had the privilege of attending Jill Weber’s workshop on grass identification, which was organized by Native Gardens of Blue Hill. During the workshop, attendees gained hands-on experience identifying an assortment of native grasses, sedges and rushes, and I wanted to share what I learned with you! In the guide below, we’ll cover some of the key points on grass identification. You’ll also find some suggestions for the best native grasses, sedges and rushes to grow in your own garden.
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"Grasses, sedges and rushes may look a lot a like at first glance, but there are a few ways to tell these plants apart. The identification tips below can help you determine what plants are growing in your garden. For more detailed information, you may want to explore the grass ID section on the Go Botany website or consult a quality plant identification book.
Grasses (Poaceae)
"True grasses are found throughout Maine, and throughout the world. Many of our most common grasses are not native to Maine and thrive in sunny and warm locations like fields and abandoned pastures; however, many native grasses are very cold hardy, some prefer wet environments and others grow happily in shade. Interestingly, the majority of our food crops actually belong to the grass family and those include wheat, rice, barley, oats, millet and bamboo!
"A clear way to determine if a graminoid is a true grass is by analyzing its stem and leaf formation. Grasses generally have flattened or rounded stems with pronounced joints or nodes (think bamboo!) Grasses also have 'two ranked' leaves, which means the leaves sprout on two sides of the plant. If you peel a grass blade down from the stem and expose the plant’s papery ligule, you’ll find that many grass ligules are easy to see with a hand lens and can be smooth or ragged on the margin, although some grasses don’t have ligules at all.*
* This is much easier to see with a loupe!
"Some of the most attractive species of true grasses that are native to Maine include:
● #PurpleLovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
● #LittleBluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
● #BigBluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
● #DroopingWoodreed (Cinna latifolia)
● #Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)Sedges (Cyperaceae)
"Sedges can look a lot like true grasses, and they’re likely to be found in moist soils, although some sedges can tolerate dry conditions. Sedge seed heads are very variable, and some sedges have lots of ornamental appeal.
"The easiest way to determine if a plant is a sedge or not is to feel its stem. Sedge stems are generally triangular in shape and they won’t roll easily between your fingers. The leaves of sedges are typically three ranked, encircling the plant’s stem on three vertical planes. If you peel back a sedge leaf, you’ll notice that their papery ligules are triangular in form, often less noticeable than those of the grasses.
"Sedges can be useful in rain or water gardens, but some sedges can be grown in standard ornamental beds, or even used as a no-mow lawn substitute for small areas.
"If you’re interested in trying out sedges in your landscape, look for these native Maine species:
● #Pennsylvaniasedge (Carex pensylvanica)
● #FoxSedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
● #PointedBroomSedge (Carex scoparia)
● #NoddingSedge (Carex gynandra)
● #TussockSedge (Carex stricta)Rushes (Juncaceae)
"Like sedges, many rushes and woodrushes prefer moist soil, and some rushes are appropriate for garden planting. Water-loving rushes make spectacular additions to rain gardens or small ponds, or they can be grown in poorly draining sections of your yard where other plants won’t thrive.
"Unlike sedges, rushes have rounded stems, but they lack the nodes that are found in true grasses. Rush flowers can be inconspicuous, but many species can hold their own in any flower garden. Rush leaves typically sprout from the base of the plant and encircle the plant’s stems; however, rushes can be varied and particular species may have different leaf formations.
"If you’re on the hunt for rushes to try in water features or in ornamental beds, these Maine natives are a great place to start:
● #SoftRush (Juncus effusus)
● #CommonWoodrush (Luzula multiflora)
● #WireRush (Juncus balticus)
● #CanadaRush (Juncus canadensis)
● #HairyWoodrush (Luzula acuminata)How to use #graminoids in the landscape
"Grasses, sedges and rushes offer a lot of benefits to the home gardener. Not only are graminoids beautiful, but their seed heads can provide an important food source for wild birds in late summer, autumn and winter. When interplanted with other native #perennials, graminoids provide texture to gardens, as well as movement when their leaves catch in the breeze. Many graminoids also stay upright during winter, providing winter interest and habitat for wildlife. And, not to be overlooked, graminoids are also useful for #basketweaving if you’re interested in crafting!
"On a larger scale, graminoids serve as #CarbonSinks and they help to counter climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some graminoids are useful for erosion control or for #bioremediation projects. In wetland areas, grasses, rushes and sedges can aid with #WaterFiltration, and they provide habitat and food for various #wildlife species.
"When growing graminoids in your garden, make sure you consider the plant’s specific light, water and soil requirements. Some grasses are more suitable for gardens than others and offer a variety of leaf color, stiffness, height and seed characteristics. Rushes and sedges can be essential additions to rain gardens and other water features. Many native graminoids are spectacularly low maintenance, and they need very minimal water once established. Growing them in your garden or replacing some of your turf grass lawn with native ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes can cut down your lawn maintenance needs and also make your garden that much more #EcoFriendly!"
https://www.nativemainegardens.org/single-post/grasses-sedges-and-rushes-what-s-the-difference
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForBirds #Rewilding #Grasslands -
#Maine: #Grasses, #Sedges and #Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"When most of us step into our gardens or take a walk in the woods and stumble across a patch of plants with long and slender leaves and large seed heads, we assume we’re looking at a type of grass. However, there’s an enormous amount of diversity in the plant world, and plants that we think are grasses may actually be rushes or sedges. Knowing how to differentiate these plants—collectively known as graminoids—can be a fun exercise in plant identification; it’s also helpful for determining what plants will grow best in your native garden.
"Recently, I had the privilege of attending Jill Weber’s workshop on grass identification, which was organized by Native Gardens of Blue Hill. During the workshop, attendees gained hands-on experience identifying an assortment of native grasses, sedges and rushes, and I wanted to share what I learned with you! In the guide below, we’ll cover some of the key points on grass identification. You’ll also find some suggestions for the best native grasses, sedges and rushes to grow in your own garden.
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"Grasses, sedges and rushes may look a lot a like at first glance, but there are a few ways to tell these plants apart. The identification tips below can help you determine what plants are growing in your garden. For more detailed information, you may want to explore the grass ID section on the Go Botany website or consult a quality plant identification book.
Grasses (Poaceae)
"True grasses are found throughout Maine, and throughout the world. Many of our most common grasses are not native to Maine and thrive in sunny and warm locations like fields and abandoned pastures; however, many native grasses are very cold hardy, some prefer wet environments and others grow happily in shade. Interestingly, the majority of our food crops actually belong to the grass family and those include wheat, rice, barley, oats, millet and bamboo!
"A clear way to determine if a graminoid is a true grass is by analyzing its stem and leaf formation. Grasses generally have flattened or rounded stems with pronounced joints or nodes (think bamboo!) Grasses also have 'two ranked' leaves, which means the leaves sprout on two sides of the plant. If you peel a grass blade down from the stem and expose the plant’s papery ligule, you’ll find that many grass ligules are easy to see with a hand lens and can be smooth or ragged on the margin, although some grasses don’t have ligules at all.*
* This is much easier to see with a loupe!
"Some of the most attractive species of true grasses that are native to Maine include:
● #PurpleLovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
● #LittleBluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
● #BigBluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
● #DroopingWoodreed (Cinna latifolia)
● #Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)Sedges (Cyperaceae)
"Sedges can look a lot like true grasses, and they’re likely to be found in moist soils, although some sedges can tolerate dry conditions. Sedge seed heads are very variable, and some sedges have lots of ornamental appeal.
"The easiest way to determine if a plant is a sedge or not is to feel its stem. Sedge stems are generally triangular in shape and they won’t roll easily between your fingers. The leaves of sedges are typically three ranked, encircling the plant’s stem on three vertical planes. If you peel back a sedge leaf, you’ll notice that their papery ligules are triangular in form, often less noticeable than those of the grasses.
"Sedges can be useful in rain or water gardens, but some sedges can be grown in standard ornamental beds, or even used as a no-mow lawn substitute for small areas.
"If you’re interested in trying out sedges in your landscape, look for these native Maine species:
● #Pennsylvaniasedge (Carex pensylvanica)
● #FoxSedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
● #PointedBroomSedge (Carex scoparia)
● #NoddingSedge (Carex gynandra)
● #TussockSedge (Carex stricta)Rushes (Juncaceae)
"Like sedges, many rushes and woodrushes prefer moist soil, and some rushes are appropriate for garden planting. Water-loving rushes make spectacular additions to rain gardens or small ponds, or they can be grown in poorly draining sections of your yard where other plants won’t thrive.
"Unlike sedges, rushes have rounded stems, but they lack the nodes that are found in true grasses. Rush flowers can be inconspicuous, but many species can hold their own in any flower garden. Rush leaves typically sprout from the base of the plant and encircle the plant’s stems; however, rushes can be varied and particular species may have different leaf formations.
"If you’re on the hunt for rushes to try in water features or in ornamental beds, these Maine natives are a great place to start:
● #SoftRush (Juncus effusus)
● #CommonWoodrush (Luzula multiflora)
● #WireRush (Juncus balticus)
● #CanadaRush (Juncus canadensis)
● #HairyWoodrush (Luzula acuminata)How to use #graminoids in the landscape
"Grasses, sedges and rushes offer a lot of benefits to the home gardener. Not only are graminoids beautiful, but their seed heads can provide an important food source for wild birds in late summer, autumn and winter. When interplanted with other native #perennials, graminoids provide texture to gardens, as well as movement when their leaves catch in the breeze. Many graminoids also stay upright during winter, providing winter interest and habitat for wildlife. And, not to be overlooked, graminoids are also useful for #basketweaving if you’re interested in crafting!
"On a larger scale, graminoids serve as #CarbonSinks and they help to counter climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some graminoids are useful for erosion control or for #bioremediation projects. In wetland areas, grasses, rushes and sedges can aid with #WaterFiltration, and they provide habitat and food for various #wildlife species.
"When growing graminoids in your garden, make sure you consider the plant’s specific light, water and soil requirements. Some grasses are more suitable for gardens than others and offer a variety of leaf color, stiffness, height and seed characteristics. Rushes and sedges can be essential additions to rain gardens and other water features. Many native graminoids are spectacularly low maintenance, and they need very minimal water once established. Growing them in your garden or replacing some of your turf grass lawn with native ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes can cut down your lawn maintenance needs and also make your garden that much more #EcoFriendly!"
https://www.nativemainegardens.org/single-post/grasses-sedges-and-rushes-what-s-the-difference
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForBirds #Rewilding #Grasslands -
#Maine: #Grasses, #Sedges and #Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"When most of us step into our gardens or take a walk in the woods and stumble across a patch of plants with long and slender leaves and large seed heads, we assume we’re looking at a type of grass. However, there’s an enormous amount of diversity in the plant world, and plants that we think are grasses may actually be rushes or sedges. Knowing how to differentiate these plants—collectively known as graminoids—can be a fun exercise in plant identification; it’s also helpful for determining what plants will grow best in your native garden.
"Recently, I had the privilege of attending Jill Weber’s workshop on grass identification, which was organized by Native Gardens of Blue Hill. During the workshop, attendees gained hands-on experience identifying an assortment of native grasses, sedges and rushes, and I wanted to share what I learned with you! In the guide below, we’ll cover some of the key points on grass identification. You’ll also find some suggestions for the best native grasses, sedges and rushes to grow in your own garden.
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"Grasses, sedges and rushes may look a lot a like at first glance, but there are a few ways to tell these plants apart. The identification tips below can help you determine what plants are growing in your garden. For more detailed information, you may want to explore the grass ID section on the Go Botany website or consult a quality plant identification book.
Grasses (Poaceae)
"True grasses are found throughout Maine, and throughout the world. Many of our most common grasses are not native to Maine and thrive in sunny and warm locations like fields and abandoned pastures; however, many native grasses are very cold hardy, some prefer wet environments and others grow happily in shade. Interestingly, the majority of our food crops actually belong to the grass family and those include wheat, rice, barley, oats, millet and bamboo!
"A clear way to determine if a graminoid is a true grass is by analyzing its stem and leaf formation. Grasses generally have flattened or rounded stems with pronounced joints or nodes (think bamboo!) Grasses also have 'two ranked' leaves, which means the leaves sprout on two sides of the plant. If you peel a grass blade down from the stem and expose the plant’s papery ligule, you’ll find that many grass ligules are easy to see with a hand lens and can be smooth or ragged on the margin, although some grasses don’t have ligules at all.*
* This is much easier to see with a loupe!
"Some of the most attractive species of true grasses that are native to Maine include:
● #PurpleLovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
● #LittleBluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
● #BigBluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
● #DroopingWoodreed (Cinna latifolia)
● #Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)Sedges (Cyperaceae)
"Sedges can look a lot like true grasses, and they’re likely to be found in moist soils, although some sedges can tolerate dry conditions. Sedge seed heads are very variable, and some sedges have lots of ornamental appeal.
"The easiest way to determine if a plant is a sedge or not is to feel its stem. Sedge stems are generally triangular in shape and they won’t roll easily between your fingers. The leaves of sedges are typically three ranked, encircling the plant’s stem on three vertical planes. If you peel back a sedge leaf, you’ll notice that their papery ligules are triangular in form, often less noticeable than those of the grasses.
"Sedges can be useful in rain or water gardens, but some sedges can be grown in standard ornamental beds, or even used as a no-mow lawn substitute for small areas.
"If you’re interested in trying out sedges in your landscape, look for these native Maine species:
● #Pennsylvaniasedge (Carex pensylvanica)
● #FoxSedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
● #PointedBroomSedge (Carex scoparia)
● #NoddingSedge (Carex gynandra)
● #TussockSedge (Carex stricta)Rushes (Juncaceae)
"Like sedges, many rushes and woodrushes prefer moist soil, and some rushes are appropriate for garden planting. Water-loving rushes make spectacular additions to rain gardens or small ponds, or they can be grown in poorly draining sections of your yard where other plants won’t thrive.
"Unlike sedges, rushes have rounded stems, but they lack the nodes that are found in true grasses. Rush flowers can be inconspicuous, but many species can hold their own in any flower garden. Rush leaves typically sprout from the base of the plant and encircle the plant’s stems; however, rushes can be varied and particular species may have different leaf formations.
"If you’re on the hunt for rushes to try in water features or in ornamental beds, these Maine natives are a great place to start:
● #SoftRush (Juncus effusus)
● #CommonWoodrush (Luzula multiflora)
● #WireRush (Juncus balticus)
● #CanadaRush (Juncus canadensis)
● #HairyWoodrush (Luzula acuminata)How to use #graminoids in the landscape
"Grasses, sedges and rushes offer a lot of benefits to the home gardener. Not only are graminoids beautiful, but their seed heads can provide an important food source for wild birds in late summer, autumn and winter. When interplanted with other native #perennials, graminoids provide texture to gardens, as well as movement when their leaves catch in the breeze. Many graminoids also stay upright during winter, providing winter interest and habitat for wildlife. And, not to be overlooked, graminoids are also useful for #basketweaving if you’re interested in crafting!
"On a larger scale, graminoids serve as #CarbonSinks and they help to counter climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some graminoids are useful for erosion control or for #bioremediation projects. In wetland areas, grasses, rushes and sedges can aid with #WaterFiltration, and they provide habitat and food for various #wildlife species.
"When growing graminoids in your garden, make sure you consider the plant’s specific light, water and soil requirements. Some grasses are more suitable for gardens than others and offer a variety of leaf color, stiffness, height and seed characteristics. Rushes and sedges can be essential additions to rain gardens and other water features. Many native graminoids are spectacularly low maintenance, and they need very minimal water once established. Growing them in your garden or replacing some of your turf grass lawn with native ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes can cut down your lawn maintenance needs and also make your garden that much more #EcoFriendly!"
https://www.nativemainegardens.org/single-post/grasses-sedges-and-rushes-what-s-the-difference
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForBirds #Rewilding #Grasslands -
#Maine: #Grasses, #Sedges and #Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"When most of us step into our gardens or take a walk in the woods and stumble across a patch of plants with long and slender leaves and large seed heads, we assume we’re looking at a type of grass. However, there’s an enormous amount of diversity in the plant world, and plants that we think are grasses may actually be rushes or sedges. Knowing how to differentiate these plants—collectively known as graminoids—can be a fun exercise in plant identification; it’s also helpful for determining what plants will grow best in your native garden.
"Recently, I had the privilege of attending Jill Weber’s workshop on grass identification, which was organized by Native Gardens of Blue Hill. During the workshop, attendees gained hands-on experience identifying an assortment of native grasses, sedges and rushes, and I wanted to share what I learned with you! In the guide below, we’ll cover some of the key points on grass identification. You’ll also find some suggestions for the best native grasses, sedges and rushes to grow in your own garden.
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"Grasses, sedges and rushes may look a lot a like at first glance, but there are a few ways to tell these plants apart. The identification tips below can help you determine what plants are growing in your garden. For more detailed information, you may want to explore the grass ID section on the Go Botany website or consult a quality plant identification book.
Grasses (Poaceae)
"True grasses are found throughout Maine, and throughout the world. Many of our most common grasses are not native to Maine and thrive in sunny and warm locations like fields and abandoned pastures; however, many native grasses are very cold hardy, some prefer wet environments and others grow happily in shade. Interestingly, the majority of our food crops actually belong to the grass family and those include wheat, rice, barley, oats, millet and bamboo!
"A clear way to determine if a graminoid is a true grass is by analyzing its stem and leaf formation. Grasses generally have flattened or rounded stems with pronounced joints or nodes (think bamboo!) Grasses also have 'two ranked' leaves, which means the leaves sprout on two sides of the plant. If you peel a grass blade down from the stem and expose the plant’s papery ligule, you’ll find that many grass ligules are easy to see with a hand lens and can be smooth or ragged on the margin, although some grasses don’t have ligules at all.*
* This is much easier to see with a loupe!
"Some of the most attractive species of true grasses that are native to Maine include:
● #PurpleLovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
● #LittleBluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
● #BigBluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
● #DroopingWoodreed (Cinna latifolia)
● #Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)Sedges (Cyperaceae)
"Sedges can look a lot like true grasses, and they’re likely to be found in moist soils, although some sedges can tolerate dry conditions. Sedge seed heads are very variable, and some sedges have lots of ornamental appeal.
"The easiest way to determine if a plant is a sedge or not is to feel its stem. Sedge stems are generally triangular in shape and they won’t roll easily between your fingers. The leaves of sedges are typically three ranked, encircling the plant’s stem on three vertical planes. If you peel back a sedge leaf, you’ll notice that their papery ligules are triangular in form, often less noticeable than those of the grasses.
"Sedges can be useful in rain or water gardens, but some sedges can be grown in standard ornamental beds, or even used as a no-mow lawn substitute for small areas.
"If you’re interested in trying out sedges in your landscape, look for these native Maine species:
● #Pennsylvaniasedge (Carex pensylvanica)
● #FoxSedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
● #PointedBroomSedge (Carex scoparia)
● #NoddingSedge (Carex gynandra)
● #TussockSedge (Carex stricta)Rushes (Juncaceae)
"Like sedges, many rushes and woodrushes prefer moist soil, and some rushes are appropriate for garden planting. Water-loving rushes make spectacular additions to rain gardens or small ponds, or they can be grown in poorly draining sections of your yard where other plants won’t thrive.
"Unlike sedges, rushes have rounded stems, but they lack the nodes that are found in true grasses. Rush flowers can be inconspicuous, but many species can hold their own in any flower garden. Rush leaves typically sprout from the base of the plant and encircle the plant’s stems; however, rushes can be varied and particular species may have different leaf formations.
"If you’re on the hunt for rushes to try in water features or in ornamental beds, these Maine natives are a great place to start:
● #SoftRush (Juncus effusus)
● #CommonWoodrush (Luzula multiflora)
● #WireRush (Juncus balticus)
● #CanadaRush (Juncus canadensis)
● #HairyWoodrush (Luzula acuminata)How to use #graminoids in the landscape
"Grasses, sedges and rushes offer a lot of benefits to the home gardener. Not only are graminoids beautiful, but their seed heads can provide an important food source for wild birds in late summer, autumn and winter. When interplanted with other native #perennials, graminoids provide texture to gardens, as well as movement when their leaves catch in the breeze. Many graminoids also stay upright during winter, providing winter interest and habitat for wildlife. And, not to be overlooked, graminoids are also useful for #basketweaving if you’re interested in crafting!
"On a larger scale, graminoids serve as #CarbonSinks and they help to counter climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some graminoids are useful for erosion control or for #bioremediation projects. In wetland areas, grasses, rushes and sedges can aid with #WaterFiltration, and they provide habitat and food for various #wildlife species.
"When growing graminoids in your garden, make sure you consider the plant’s specific light, water and soil requirements. Some grasses are more suitable for gardens than others and offer a variety of leaf color, stiffness, height and seed characteristics. Rushes and sedges can be essential additions to rain gardens and other water features. Many native graminoids are spectacularly low maintenance, and they need very minimal water once established. Growing them in your garden or replacing some of your turf grass lawn with native ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes can cut down your lawn maintenance needs and also make your garden that much more #EcoFriendly!"
https://www.nativemainegardens.org/single-post/grasses-sedges-and-rushes-what-s-the-difference
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForBirds #Rewilding #Grasslands -
#Maine: #Grasses, #Sedges and #Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"When most of us step into our gardens or take a walk in the woods and stumble across a patch of plants with long and slender leaves and large seed heads, we assume we’re looking at a type of grass. However, there’s an enormous amount of diversity in the plant world, and plants that we think are grasses may actually be rushes or sedges. Knowing how to differentiate these plants—collectively known as graminoids—can be a fun exercise in plant identification; it’s also helpful for determining what plants will grow best in your native garden.
"Recently, I had the privilege of attending Jill Weber’s workshop on grass identification, which was organized by Native Gardens of Blue Hill. During the workshop, attendees gained hands-on experience identifying an assortment of native grasses, sedges and rushes, and I wanted to share what I learned with you! In the guide below, we’ll cover some of the key points on grass identification. You’ll also find some suggestions for the best native grasses, sedges and rushes to grow in your own garden.
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What’s the Difference?
"Grasses, sedges and rushes may look a lot a like at first glance, but there are a few ways to tell these plants apart. The identification tips below can help you determine what plants are growing in your garden. For more detailed information, you may want to explore the grass ID section on the Go Botany website or consult a quality plant identification book.
Grasses (Poaceae)
"True grasses are found throughout Maine, and throughout the world. Many of our most common grasses are not native to Maine and thrive in sunny and warm locations like fields and abandoned pastures; however, many native grasses are very cold hardy, some prefer wet environments and others grow happily in shade. Interestingly, the majority of our food crops actually belong to the grass family and those include wheat, rice, barley, oats, millet and bamboo!
"A clear way to determine if a graminoid is a true grass is by analyzing its stem and leaf formation. Grasses generally have flattened or rounded stems with pronounced joints or nodes (think bamboo!) Grasses also have 'two ranked' leaves, which means the leaves sprout on two sides of the plant. If you peel a grass blade down from the stem and expose the plant’s papery ligule, you’ll find that many grass ligules are easy to see with a hand lens and can be smooth or ragged on the margin, although some grasses don’t have ligules at all.*
* This is much easier to see with a loupe!
"Some of the most attractive species of true grasses that are native to Maine include:
● #PurpleLovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
● #LittleBluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
● #BigBluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
● #DroopingWoodreed (Cinna latifolia)
● #Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)Sedges (Cyperaceae)
"Sedges can look a lot like true grasses, and they’re likely to be found in moist soils, although some sedges can tolerate dry conditions. Sedge seed heads are very variable, and some sedges have lots of ornamental appeal.
"The easiest way to determine if a plant is a sedge or not is to feel its stem. Sedge stems are generally triangular in shape and they won’t roll easily between your fingers. The leaves of sedges are typically three ranked, encircling the plant’s stem on three vertical planes. If you peel back a sedge leaf, you’ll notice that their papery ligules are triangular in form, often less noticeable than those of the grasses.
"Sedges can be useful in rain or water gardens, but some sedges can be grown in standard ornamental beds, or even used as a no-mow lawn substitute for small areas.
"If you’re interested in trying out sedges in your landscape, look for these native Maine species:
● #Pennsylvaniasedge (Carex pensylvanica)
● #FoxSedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
● #PointedBroomSedge (Carex scoparia)
● #NoddingSedge (Carex gynandra)
● #TussockSedge (Carex stricta)Rushes (Juncaceae)
"Like sedges, many rushes and woodrushes prefer moist soil, and some rushes are appropriate for garden planting. Water-loving rushes make spectacular additions to rain gardens or small ponds, or they can be grown in poorly draining sections of your yard where other plants won’t thrive.
"Unlike sedges, rushes have rounded stems, but they lack the nodes that are found in true grasses. Rush flowers can be inconspicuous, but many species can hold their own in any flower garden. Rush leaves typically sprout from the base of the plant and encircle the plant’s stems; however, rushes can be varied and particular species may have different leaf formations.
"If you’re on the hunt for rushes to try in water features or in ornamental beds, these Maine natives are a great place to start:
● #SoftRush (Juncus effusus)
● #CommonWoodrush (Luzula multiflora)
● #WireRush (Juncus balticus)
● #CanadaRush (Juncus canadensis)
● #HairyWoodrush (Luzula acuminata)How to use #graminoids in the landscape
"Grasses, sedges and rushes offer a lot of benefits to the home gardener. Not only are graminoids beautiful, but their seed heads can provide an important food source for wild birds in late summer, autumn and winter. When interplanted with other native #perennials, graminoids provide texture to gardens, as well as movement when their leaves catch in the breeze. Many graminoids also stay upright during winter, providing winter interest and habitat for wildlife. And, not to be overlooked, graminoids are also useful for #basketweaving if you’re interested in crafting!
"On a larger scale, graminoids serve as #CarbonSinks and they help to counter climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some graminoids are useful for erosion control or for #bioremediation projects. In wetland areas, grasses, rushes and sedges can aid with #WaterFiltration, and they provide habitat and food for various #wildlife species.
"When growing graminoids in your garden, make sure you consider the plant’s specific light, water and soil requirements. Some grasses are more suitable for gardens than others and offer a variety of leaf color, stiffness, height and seed characteristics. Rushes and sedges can be essential additions to rain gardens and other water features. Many native graminoids are spectacularly low maintenance, and they need very minimal water once established. Growing them in your garden or replacing some of your turf grass lawn with native ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes can cut down your lawn maintenance needs and also make your garden that much more #EcoFriendly!"
https://www.nativemainegardens.org/single-post/grasses-sedges-and-rushes-what-s-the-difference
#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForBirds #Rewilding #Grasslands -
A new genus of #fungi on grasses https://phys.org/news/2024-03-genus-fungi-grasses.html
Metacampanella gen. nov.: The Campanella dendrophora complex https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21501203.2024.2309898
"While ecologically important, small #mushrooms on #monocots (#grasses and #sedges) are rarely studied and a lack of information about their habitat and DNA sequences creates difficulties in determining their presence or absence in ecological studies and their genetic relationships to other #mushroom taxa."