- Sweetgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Indiangrass<\/a><\/li>
- Switchgrass<\/a><\/li>
- Big bluestem<\/a><\/li>
- Broomsedge<\/a><\/li>
- Pink muhly grass<\/a><\/li>
- Splitbeard bluestem<\/a><\/li>
- Inland sea oats<\/a><\/li>
- Little bluestem<\/a><\/li>
- Other South Carolina resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Sweetgrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"field](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/sweetgrass.jpg\")
Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Sweetgrass (Muhlenbergia filipes<\/em>) is a coastal treasure of South Carolina (especially in the Lowcountry area), cherished for its beauty and rich cultural history. Named for the sweet fragrance of its leaves, this plant has deep roots in the traditions of the Gullah community, who skillfully weave its blades into beautiful baskets.<\/p>
This craft is so valued that Mount Pleasant, just outside Charleston, hosts an annual Sweetgrass Festival<\/a> to celebrate and preserve this tradition.<\/p>
You can buy sweetgrass seeds or potted plants in your local nursery, but it\u2019s not that easy to find. Plant sweetgrass in early spring, preferably in sandy soil.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Brownswood Nursery & Landscape<\/a><\/li>
- Sweetgrass Roots Farm<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Indiangrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Indiangrass](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Sorghastrum-nutans.jpg\")
Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Indiangrass, or Sorghastrum nutans<\/em>, is a top choice for anyone looking to create a low-maintenance landscape that also supports local wildlife. As South Carolina\u2019s official state grass, Indiangrass provides a haven for bees and birds, and it\u2019s even suitable for grazing.<\/p>
Moreover, Indiangrass is drought and salt-tolerant, which makes it particularly well-suited for coastal homes, where it can thrive with minimal care. <\/p>
Popular cultivars like \u2018Sioux Blue\u2019 and \u2018Indian Steel\u2019 offer stunning variations that add texture and color to your garden.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Perennial Indiangrass on Amazon<\/a><\/li>
- Roundstone Native Seed<\/a><\/li>
- Plants Delights Nursery<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Switchgrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Switchgrass.jpg\")
Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum<\/em>) is a versatile and attractive native grass that blooms with pretty reddish-purple flower panicles from late summer to fall. <\/p>
But this grass isn\u2019t just about looks \u2014 it also helps with soil stabilization and preventing erosion, which is a big plus if you\u2019re dealing with sloped or easily eroded areas. You can read more about this in our guide: \u201cHow to Control Erosion in Your Yard<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
This grass adapts well to different soil types, though it really thrives in full sun and moist conditions. It is also a fast grower, so you won\u2019t have to wait long to see it fill in your space.<\/p>
If you\u2019re looking for varieties that do well across the state, \u2018Blackwell,\u2019 \u2018Kanlow,\u2019 \u2018Carthage,\u2019 and \u2018Alamo\u2019 are all excellent choices, but you\u2019ll have other options depending on where you live.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Hoffman Nursery<\/a><\/li>
- Nature\u2019s Seed<\/a><\/li>
- Deer Creek Seed<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Big bluestem<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/51500757518_9cdece97b5_c-1.jpg\")
Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Big bluestem, also known as Andropogon gerardii<\/em>, is a striking native grass that can add serious height and visual appeal to your landscape. This grass can grow up to 8 feet tall, forming narrow clumps of blue-green leaves that turn a beautiful orange-rust color in the fall.<\/p>
One of the best things about big bluestem is how easy it is to care for (like most native plants). It\u2019s incredibly low-maintenance, resistant to most pests and diseases, and thrives in different types of soils. <\/p>
To give this grass the best start, it\u2019s recommended to plant it in the spring, ideally before May 15 in South Carolina, to ensure it establishes well before the summer heat kicks in.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Carolina Habitats<\/a><\/li>
- Big Bluestem on Amazon<\/a><\/li>
- Izel Plants<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Broomsedge<\/span><\/h2>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Andropogon_virginicus-1.jpg\")
Show_ryu<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus<\/em>) is a native grass that truly shines in the fall and winter months. During this time, its copper-colored foliage, accented with silver hairs, adds a unique and eye-catching element to the landscape.<\/p>
Like the other native grasses we\u2019ve presented so far, broomsedge is low-maintenance and drought-resistant. It\u2019s also beneficial for wildlife, offering both habitat and food, and it resists most pests and diseases. <\/p>
This ornamental grass is often used as a filler in prairies, wildflower plantings, or wildlife habitats, where it contributes to a thriving and diverse ecosystem in South Carolina. However, this plant is considered invasive in California and Hawaii.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Hoffman Nursery<\/a><\/li>
- North Creek Nurseries<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Pink muhly grass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/15386476937_aecffb273d_c-1.jpg\")
Under the same moon…<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Pink muhly grass, or Muhlenbergia capillaris<\/em>, is a showstopper in any landscape, thanks to its stunning pink plumes that resemble clouds when they bloom in fall. <\/p>
This grass is as tough as it is beautiful, thriving in well-drained soils, but tolerating a variety of conditions, including sandy, rocky, dry, or medium-moisture soils. It\u2019s a versatile option, perfect for edging and borders, but it also makes a striking centerpiece that can be the focal point of your landscape.<\/p>
In South Carolina, pink muhly grass can also be used in rain gardens. (Read our article, \u201cHow to Build a Rain Garden<\/a>,\u201d if you\u2019re interested in creating your own.) Recommended cultivars include: \u2018Pink Flamingos,\u2019 \u2018White Cloud,\u2019 and \u2018Regal Mist.\u2019<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Jackson & Perkins<\/a><\/li>
- Wilson Bros Gardens<\/a><\/li>
- TyTy Nursery<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Splitbeard bluestem<\/span><\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Splitbeard-bluestem-1.jpg\")
DouglasGoldman<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius<\/em>) is another fantastic ornamental grass that can bring year-round interest to your landscape. In spring, its foliage starts off as a lovely silvery blue-green. As the seasons progress, the foliage transforms into warm copper and bronze tones in late summer and fall, while fluffy silver seed heads add texture.<\/p>
These seeds aren\u2019t just for show \u2014 they\u2019re also a food source for birds and mammals, making this grass a great choice for supporting local wildlife. Read more about this topic in our guide: \u201cBenefits of Attracting Birds to Your Yard<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
However, it\u2019s important to be cautious when planting splitbeard bluestem near your home, as it has an extreme flammability rating.<\/p>
Where to buy: <\/strong><\/p>
- Green Isle Gardens<\/a><\/li>
- Ernst Seeds<\/a><\/li>
- LandscapeHub<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Inland sea oats<\/span><\/h2>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1024px-Bloeiwijze_van_Chasmanthium_latifolium_in_herfstkleur._Locatie._Tuinreservaat_Jonkervallei_03.jpg\")
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Inland sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium<\/em>), also known as northern sea oats, Indian wood oats, or even \u201cfish on a line,\u201d is a charming native ornamental grass that brings a unique look to your landscape. It\u2019s commonly found in northwestern South Carolina and on the coast, where its bright green foliage lights up the summer before turning a warm copper in the fall and winter.<\/p>
One of the most distinctive features of this grass is its drooping flat seeds, which flutter with the wind and resemble little fishes on a line \u2014 hence the nickname. <\/p>
Inland sea oats can be used near streams and water gardens or as an eye-catching accent plant. Its seed heads also make it a great choice for dried flower arrangements. <\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Brownswood Nursery & Landscape<\/a><\/li>
- Shrub Hub<\/a><\/li>
- Nature and Nurture Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Little bluestem<\/span><\/h2>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Little-Bluestem.jpg\")
Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Little bluestem, or Schizachyrium scoparium<\/em>, is a standout native grass for pretty much the entire country. For most of the year, its blue-green stems provide nesting sites for several birds. But come fall, the leaves turn into a rich reddish-brown hue, adding color to your yard.<\/p>
Moreover, this grass has deep roots, which makes it an excellent choice for erosion control, helping to stabilize the soil in areas prone to runoff. We also have an article with other plants to control erosion in your yard<\/a>.<\/p>
And best of all, this is an easy-care plant that fits right into South Carolina landscapes, requiring minimal maintenance while delivering maximum impact.<\/p>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Settlemyre Nursery<\/a><\/li>
- Little bluestem on Amazon<\/a><\/li>
- Nature\u2019s Seed<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Other South Carolina resources<\/span><\/h2>
If you want your South Carolina landscape to look its absolute best, ornamental grasses are a great start, but they\u2019re not the whole story. A beautiful yard also needs a lush lawn and a variety of native plants. Check out these additional articles for tips and advice:<\/p>
- The Best Grass for South Carolina Lawns<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Grass Seed in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- The Most Common Weeds in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- South Carolina Native Plants for Landscaping<\/a><\/li>
- When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control in South Carolina<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
When to call a pro<\/span><\/h2>
If you\u2019d rather kick back with some hush puppies and enjoy your beautiful South Carolina landscape without getting your hands dirty, there\u2019s no shame in that. Instead of planting ornamental grasses and other native plants yourself, call a local gardening professional<\/a> who can help you create the perfect outdoor space.<\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\tGardenia<\/a><\/p>
Home & Garden Information Center<\/a><\/p>
National Resources Conservation Service<\/a><\/p>
Planting Guide: Big Bluestem in South Carolina<\/a><\/p>
South Carolina Wildlife Federation<\/a><\/p> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
Main Image Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Enhance your landscape with native grasses for South Carolina, such as sweetgrass and Indiangrass. Learn all about them and how to choose the best for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":30775,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[186],"tags":[746],"class_list":["post-30746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-south-carolina","tag-lawn-care-sc"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/big-blue-stem-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Maria Isabela Reis","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/maria-isabela-reis\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30746","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30746"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30746\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- When to Plant Grass Seed in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- Little bluestem on Amazon<\/a><\/li>
- Shrub Hub<\/a><\/li>
- Ernst Seeds<\/a><\/li>
- Wilson Bros Gardens<\/a><\/li>
- North Creek Nurseries<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Big Bluestem on Amazon<\/a><\/li>
- Nature\u2019s Seed<\/a><\/li>
- Roundstone Native Seed<\/a><\/li>
- Sweetgrass Roots Farm<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Indiangrass<\/a><\/li>