Grasses

Grass and grass-like species (sedges and rushes) account for 13% of the vascular plants within Shenandoah National Park. Despite this relative abundance, these species are often overlooked because of their small wind-pollinated flowers and nondescript linear leaves.

 

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) inflorescence

Photo courtesy of Gary Fleming VA-DCR

Many grass flowers mature in the late spring to early summer. The wind-pollinated nature of these flowers necessitates producing large quantities of pollen, making them particularly common culprits for seasonal allergies.

In Shenandoah National Park grasses can be easily viewed at Big Meadows where red top (Agrostis perennans) and tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) are particularly common. The troublesome invasive species Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) can be seen throughout the Elkwallow picnic area where it is has overrun virtually all other forest understory herbs. Grasses possess a subtle beauty, and provide a worthy botanical challenge to those interested in determining individual species. Take a moment next time you pass some grass to bend down and take a closer look.

Related Information

One website that provides photographs and helpful biological information about grasses is:

Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery (emphasis on plants of Oklahoma and Texas)

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