Using native grasses in your landscape, rather than imported species, is essential for maintaining the ecological balance of Nantucket’s unique environment. Native grasses are adapted to the island’s specific climate, soil, and weather conditions, meaning they require less water, fewer fertilizers, and no pesticides to thrive. This makes them not only more sustainable but also better for the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Imported grasses, on the other hand, can disrupt local habitats by outcompeting native species or becoming invasive by spreading to our native forests and grasslands. Invasive grasses can also fail to provide the same habitat and food sources for local wildlife, which rely on native plants for pollination, nesting, and food.
By choosing native grasses, you’re supporting biodiversity, conserving resources, and helping to preserve the unique ecological integrity of Nantucket.
Nantucket Native Grasses & Sedges
American Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Low; highly drought-tolerant.
- Best Uses: Dune stabilization, coastal plantings.
Autumn Bentgrass (Agrostis perennans)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium; tolerates a range of soil conditions.
- Best Uses: Naturalized areas, meadows, erosion control.
Rough Bentgrass (Agrostis scabra)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium to low; thrives in sandy or rocky soils.
- Best Uses: Wildflower meadows, restoration projects.
Winter Bentgrass (Agrostis hyemalis)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Medium; prefers moist soils.
- Best Uses: Erosion control, naturalized plantings.
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)um)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Medium to low; drought-tolerant once established.
- Best Uses: Prairie restorations, Privacy borders, meadows, erosion control.
Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium to wet; tolerates wet soils.
- Best Uses: Rain gardens, wet meadows, ornamental grass.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Light: Full sun.
- Best Uses: Prairie gardens, drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Water: Low; thrives in dry soils.
Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Medium to wet; thrives in wet soils.
- Best Uses: Wetland restorations, erosion control.
Marsh Hay Cordgrass (Sporobolus pumilus)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Low; tolerates saline conditions.
- Best Uses: Coastal plantings, dune stabilization.
Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Medium to wet; thrives in tidal wetlands.
- Best Uses: Coastal restorations, erosion control.
Poverty-Oats Grass (Danthonia spicata)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Low; thrives in poor soils.
- Best Uses: Erosion control, naturalized plantings.
Wavy Hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium to low; tolerates sandy soils.
- Best Uses: Naturalized areas, meadows.
Indiangrass, Yellow Feather Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Medium to low; drought-tolerant once established.
- Best Uses: Prairie restorations, wildlife gardens.
Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Low; drought-tolerant.
- Best Uses: Groundcover, erosion control, ornamental plantings.
Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium to wet; thrives in wet soils.
- Best Uses: Water gardens, rain gardens, wetland restoration.
Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
- Light: Full sun to full shade.
- Water: Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established.
- Best Uses: Groundcover, woodland gardens.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium; tolerates various soil types.
- Best Uses: Ornamental grass, erosion control, wildlife habitat.
Common Wildrye (Elymus virginicus)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Medium; tolerates moist soils.
- Best Uses: Naturalized areas, wildlife gardens.
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