Japanese Forest Grass

You'll recognize Japanese forest grass by its gracefully arching, linear-lanceolate, bright green leaves forming dense, spreading, cascading mounds reaching 12-18 inches tall and to 24 inches wide. The foliage has a papery texture with a distinctive rustling sound in the wind. Leaves show a blush of red to pink in fall before the plant dies back to the ground in winter. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer as airy sprays of greenish-yellow flowers, often hidden by the cascading foliage. Multiple cultivars offer gold or red-tinged foliage; 'Aureola' features gold variegation, while 'All Gold' shows bright yellow coloring.

Japanese forest grass requires rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil and thrives in part to full shade, particularly in hot summer climates. Tolerates close to full shade but may show foliage burn in full sun, losing color intensity (especially on variegated forms) in heavy shade. Best growth occurs in cool summer temperatures. Mulch in winter. Trim foliage to the ground in late winter to early spring before new shoots emerge. Clumps spread by rhizomes but are not invasive. The plant tolerates urban growing conditions and shows no serious pest or disease problems. This shade-loving grass tolerates black walnut proximity.