National Grass Research Trials

Landscape grasses are increasing in popularity and use due to their low maintenance requirements and natural appearance. Many named selections of native grasses are sold today, but few have been tested in any trials to evaluate these grasses for different areas of the United States. In 2012, a group of university and botanic gardens will be trialing approximately 20 native forms of Panicum virgatum, switchgrass, and five forms of Schizachyrium scoparium, little bluestem, in 11 states at 18 locations. States include Vermont, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Oregon.  Plants will be established in 2012 and evaluated for the following three years. Information from the trials will be compiled and posted on a national website for growers and gardeners to view. Plants will be evaluated for many characteristics including overall growth, pests, flowering impact and duration, foliage color, lodging, cold and heat tolerance, and overall ornamental value.