Cinna arundinacea - Sweet Wood-reed Grass

Sizes available: TBD

Basics: zones 4-7, 2-6' x 1-2', part sun to part shade, many flowered panicle blooms green in the late summer and matures to tan, needs consistent moisture in the sunniest spots, but can deal with some drying out, likes a nutritious soil.

Common names: Sweet Wood-reed Grass, Wool Reed Grass, Stout Reed Grass, Common Wood Reed, Stout Woodreed

Family: Poaceae

Origin/Distribution: This grass has a wide distribution in eastern and central North America. "At risk" in Massachusetts and Vermont. Native to Maine.

Habitat: Found in open, wet woodlands, shady ditches, wet edges, river and stream floodplains.

More: Lovely seeded for wildflower bouquets. More coming soon.

Grasses are important habitat for native bees who use them for nesting material as well as for hibernation and nursery structures. Do not cut your grasses all the way to the ground. If you must, cut back to about knee height and leave the old stems in the clump permanently. The new growth will cover them over in no time and they will eventually rot away. Many bees have a lifecycle longer than one year and need dependable, consistent habitat to complete their journey. This cutting regime is applicable to other perennials with hollow stems, as well: cut back to knee height. It will look as intentional as cutting lower, but offer much richer habitat.

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from Prairie Moon Nursery

Image credits: Prairie Moon Nursery