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Grasses

Grasses

Blog Posts

infestation of Japanese Stiltgrass
Read article: Be on the lookout for invasive grasses
Be on the lookout for invasive grasses
One of the reasons plant identification is so important is to help us tell the difference between plants that contribute to a healthy ecosystem and...
close up of the flowers of Gama Grass in bloom
Read article: Taking a closer look at grass pollination
Taking a closer look at grass pollination
It’s difficult not to notice grasses at this time of year – all of the large warm-season grasses seem to be in bloom. Have you taken a closer look at...
group of Switchgrass in bloom
Read article: Identifying Switchgrass, a warm-season grass
Identifying Switchgrass, a warm-season grass
If someone asked me to name the most iconic plants of the tallgrass prairie, I would start with the grasses. Who could talk about a prairie without...
Short, clumping grasses planted in a garden
Read article: Value of grasses in our managed landscapes
Value of grasses in our managed landscapes
I am making plans to add some new garden beds in my backyard. Starting with a blank slate can be daunting, but there are certain questions I ask...

Videos

Tricky Pollinator Questions and Answers

Are my annual plants “junk food” for bees? Can I help pollinators by not mowing my lawn? How can I help pollinators thrive if I don’t have a garden? This presentation explorespollinator questions that have nuanced, uncertain, or controversial answers. 

How to Identify Yellow Foxtail

Yellow Foxtail, Setaria pumila, is a non-native summer annual found across Illinois in disturbed habitats. It grows between one and three feet tall and its stem is a bit flattened. The leaf sheaths are keeled, looking like they have a crease from being folded in half. Sometimes you can...