Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - February 27, 2010
From: Kerrville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: When and how to mow native grass in Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Mark Simmons
QUESTION:
We live on a ranch near Kerrville. The grass is sparse KR, purple three-awn and some Texas wintergrass. How and when is the best way and time to mow this native grass?ANSWER:
Nassella leucotricha (Texas wintergrass) and Aristida purpurea (purple threeawn) are native grasses, but Bothriochloa ischaemum (King Ranch or KR Bluestem) is not a native and is considered to be seriously invasive.
Mowing anytime time of year will encourage grass growth. If you want to encourage the wintergrass, then mow in summer. To encourage the threeawn, mow in winter. Unfortunately, mowing either time will probably favor the KR over the other two grasses. If your KR is sparse, this might be a good time to consider some control measures—either mechanical or herbicide application. You can read a discussion of control measures for KR bluestem in the answer to a previous Mr. Smarty Plants question.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Identification of native wild grass in Austin
February 01, 2009 - I had some landscaping done in my yard in Austin. My aim was minimal care so I requested native Texas plants. I am plant illiterate and just now looking in the City of Austin "grow green guide" to...
view the full question and answer
When to plant bermudagrass in East Texas
July 17, 2009 - When to plant Bermuda grass in East TX, Center, Nacodoches, Lufkin and Center area?
view the full question and answer
Understory plants for Tuolumne Co., CA
May 14, 2007 - My driveway is lined with purple plum trees. I would like to grow something underneath them. What can I grow that will not harm the root system/health of the trees?
view the full question and answer
Annual ryegrass and Habiturf from Austin
October 31, 2013 - We've decided to put Habiturf in our freshly cleared back yard that was overgrown with sticky burs and crabgrass, but now that it is fall, would you recommend putting in a cover crop of annual ryegra...
view the full question and answer
Wind and erosion tolerant plants from Austin
August 05, 2013 - I recently cleared a fire break by removing cedar from around my home in West Austin. I'd like to plant the exposed NW facing slope with native shrubs and trees. Looking for selections that can wit...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |