Types of grasses

The blue-gray leaves grow in clumps up to 7 ¾ in (20 cm) in height.

When you think of grass, you might picture a garden lawn, but there are thousands of very different species, including crops such as rice and even bamboo. They may not be the most colorful plants, but they are some of the most important. Grasses grow in habitats around the world, including deserts, mountains, and rain forests.

make up around one-third

of all land on Earth.

Divided flower stems look like a crow’s foot, giving this grass its name.

This tiny grass is one of two flowering plants native to Antarctica.

Grasslike leaves grow from woody stems, unlike other grasses.

Although most grasses look similar, some have unique features that make them stand out. While bamboos grow woody stems that allow some species to reach up to 160 ft (50 m) in height, the Antarctic hair grass lives in such a harsh, cold climate that it grows only a few centimeters tall. Most grasses come in shades of green, but some are popular for their colors, such as the red leaves of the Japanese bloodgrass and the blue-gray foliage of the blue fescue. The red flower spikes of the hair-awn muhly grass add a splash of color to gardens, while many people grow pampas grass for their tall, feathery flower spikes, which blow in the wind.

These fluffy flower tufts are popular with gardeners.

Elephant grass can grow into a tall plant quickly, without needing much water or food. Thriving even in poor soil conditions, African elephant grass is used as fodder for cattle and elephants. It is also planted to prevent soil erosion in dry or overgrazed lands. Scientists have explored the use of the Asian variety of this grass as a biofuel, burning it to produce electricity.

The flattened flower spikes are just 1⁄3 in (1 cm) long.

Soft flower spikes look like gray bottle brushes.

Bloodred leaf tips fade to bright green at the bottom. Flower spikes look like fluffy pink clouds.

This tall grass can reach 9 3⁄4 in (3 m) in height.

13 ft (4 m)