Sweet grasses represent their own plant family within the grass plants. Most grass plants grown in the garden belong to the sweet grasses. But useful plants such as cereals are also sweet grasses. Characteristics for identifying sweet grasses.

Reed grass is very common in our country

Identify sweet grasses

Identifying sweet grasses is not always easy, even for experts. After all, there are thousands of species that differ significantly in terms of growth height, leaf shape and spikes.

In order to be able to make an exact determination, specialist literature is helpful. Some sites on the Internet also help to clearly identify sweet grasses.

What are sweet grasses?

Grasses are referred to as sweet grasses that are spread by seeds produced in inflorescences called spikes. Pollination is done by the wind.

  • leaves: alternate, bifid - leaf-sheath and leaf-blade
  • Flowers: hermaphroditic, inconspicuous, with bracts (glumes)
  • Fruits: Nuts, seed coat and pericarp fused
  • Stems: do not become woody, exception: bamboo

Sweet grasses can be annual or perennial. The height ranges from ten centimeters for dwarf grasses to four meters for giant bamboo.

Difference between sweet and sour grasses

The most important distinguishing feature between sweet and sour grasses are the stems. In the case of sweet grasses, these are usually triangular. They contain pith and are recognizable by their knots. These stand out clearly on the stem.

Sweet grasses commonly found in the garden

  • ornamental grasses including Japanese grass
  • riding grass
  • moor grass
  • pampas grass
  • reed
  • bamboo

Most sweet grasses are grown as solitary plants in the garden bed as a background to flowering plants. Because of their size, some varieties serve as privacy screens on fences and terraces. Sweet grasses can also be kept well in buckets.

Most sweet grasses that are planted in the garden are perennial and hardy. Here, too, bamboo is an exception, because not all bamboo species are completely hardy.

Sweet grasses as useful plants

  • oats
  • rye
  • wheat
  • Corn
  • millet
  • rice

These sweet grasses are cultivated extensively as useful plants. Occasionally, these sweet grasses are also grown in the garden for demonstration purposes or for home production of flour.

Grasses grown as crops are usually annuals. During a growing season they go through all the stages from flowering to harvesting the fruit.

tips

Sweet grasses are planted in gardens as an ornamental plant in perennial beds or as a privacy screen. It is very easy to care for and the slender fronds are extremely decorative.

Category:

Herbs