Native Grasses by Susan Carpenter. Native grasses are a key element in native plant gardens. They provide structure, texture, color, and habitat. Discover native grasses suitable for different light and soil conditions. Learn about tall and short species, seasonal growth patterns, as well as varied forms and bloom times. Enhance your garden with hardy and easy-to-grow native grasses.

Susan Carpenter is the Native Plant Garden curator and gardener at the UW–Madison Arboretum. Since 2003, she has worked with students and community volunteers to maintain and monitor a 4-acre garden representing the plant communities of southern Wisconsin.