Leersia virginica, White Cutgrass

 

White Cutgrass, pathside, at the MN Landscape Arboretum

Successfully established at the northwestern edge of its native range, in Minnesota, Leersia virginica should be more common in woodland restorations and even native woodland gardens. It is a perennial grass the fills in among other plants with bright green leaves. Minnesota Wildflowers suggests it can be four feet, but I always take their height range as a bit exaggerated beyond what is commonly found. Undoubtedly, the amount of moisture it receives and the size of its community of plants can influence its height. At Shelterwood, it's stature is typically under 16" tall and the same at the MN Landscape Arboretum. 

 

It is often found in moist woods and, under the upland oaks at Shelterwood, it had benefited from several years of higher than average rainfall. Therefore, I can't suggest it for a dry, upland savanna but can for a darker, moist hardwood forest or lowland woods.

Blooms: white, July into September

Height: 1 to 3 feet

Conditions: shade to pt shade, moist to medium soils

White Cutgrass flowers