Autumn moor grass | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Grass
Family (botanic) Poaceae
Tree or plant type Grass, Ground cover, Perennial
Native locale Non-native
Size range Medium plant (12-24 inches)
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 9
Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early spring, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
Flower color and fragrance White
Shape or form Mounded

Size and Form:

Autumn moor grass is a cool-season, clumping grass that grows about 18 inches tall. It forms tufts and can be used effectively as a ground cover.

Native geographic location and habitat:

Autumn moor grass is native to eastern and northern Italy into Albania.

Leaf description:

The green to yellow-green leaves are very narrow, growing only 1/4 to 1/8 inch wide and up to 12 inches long. Leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate.

Flower description:

Flowering occurs in late summer and early fall. The tiny, silvery-white flowers occur on 6 to 8 inch tall spikes that are held above the leaves. The flowers are wind pollinated.

Fruit description:

The small fruit (caryopsis or grains) form along the spike that held the flowers.

Plant care:

Autumn moor grass will grow in full sun to moderate shade. Moist, well-drained soil is best, but this grass is drought tolerant once it is established. It is tolerant of alkaline soils. This is a cool season grass, so its most active growth occurs in spring and fall. It will be semi-evergreen in winter and can act as winter interest. Since this grass remains semi-evergreen through winter, it should not be cut back until early spring, before new growth begins. At that time, it can be cut down to the ground, if needed, or simply trimmed to remove winter damage.