Types of Grass

The word grass reminds me of something green, beautiful and comforting to the eyes. It reminds me of the greenery that carpets landmasses thus creating landscapes! I have always wondered what the various grass types are. Questions like "which types of grass grows during which season?" have been keeping me puzzled. So I found out my answers and am planning to share my information on the types of grass with you all!

There are many types of grass with each type bearing its own strengths and weaknesses. Grass can be classified under two broad categories

• Warm weather grasses
  Most of the warm weather grasses turn brown during cooler seasons. They are native to tropical regions and flourish even during the scorching heat. Drought tolerance is seen in some of the grasses of this type. As these grasses grow older, they form a dense covering on land. They are best suited in the Southern regions. Grasses like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass and Bahia grass can be grouped into this category of grasses.
• Cool weather grasses
  These types of grass turn brown during the hot seasons. They exhibit their drought resistant nature by being dormant during certain periods. They maintain their green color during colder times. A few types of these grasses can be brought together. Their leaf types and textures are compatible with each other. Some of the grasses that fall into this category are Fescues, Bluegrass and Ryegrass.

Here is some information about the different grass types ...

Blue grass is not named because of its color. It got its name from the color of its seed head. It grows during spring and summer up to a height of two to three feet. Bluegrass belongs to the genus 'poa'. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the famous types of bluegrass. It has the ability to spread into thin areas. It is fairly tolerant to both hot and cold temperatures.

Fescues, classified as cool weather grasses, are shade tolerant, resistant to drought and remain green throughout the year. Fescues include sub species like creeping red fescues and tall fescues. They are found in Canada. Ryes are similar to fescues. Ryes are native to Europe, Asia and northern regions of Africa. Perennial Ryegrass is grown with Kentucky. They germinate speedily. It is also fairly tolerant to both extremes of temperature.

Bent grass is another type of cool weather lawn grass. It is regarded as the most beautiful of the lawn grasses. It requires a high amount of maintenance.

Bermuda grass is cold and drought tolerant. It spreads quickly. It loves sunlight and thrives well during warmer seasons. Its maintenance requirement is not much. Its main use is in sports fields, golf courses and parks. It is native to the African Savannah. It is popularly grown in the Southeastern states of U.S. It is best to walk on with bare feet on Bermuda grass.

St. Augustine grass is deep-rooted and fast growing. It can survive in mild winter temperatures. It has originated from the tropical regions. Compared to the Bermuda grass, this type is less tolerant to cold and drought. In the Southeastern parts of US and in California, it is known as the carpet grass.

Zoysia is a type of grass belonging to warm weather grasses. It is attractive-looking and drought resistant. It got its name from the Austrian botanist Karl von Zois. Zoysia grasses are the first to turn green during the spring season and turn brown after the first frost. They are native to Japan and China. Zoysia is also known as Japanese Lawn grass or the Korean Lawn grass.

Centipede grass is another type of a warm weather lawn grass. It can adjust with less fertile soils. It resists grass pests and requires least maintenance. Bahia grass is the grass of the lawns and the pastures. It is prone to fewer diseases. It is good for sandy and acidic soils.

Apart from those mentioned above, there are various types of grasses with interesting names. One of them is monkey grass! It is a green, perennial grass, adapting well to adverse weather conditions. It prefers dampish soil. It never needs to be mowed. It is mostly used as a ground cover.

Buffalo grass is another interesting type of grass. The name reminds me of a herd of buffaloes grazing on the lawns and it is from these buffaloes that it got its name! This type of grass is the main source of food for the buffaloes on the Great Plains. Water requirement of buffalo grass is low.

Lemon grass is an herb, which is one of the main constituents of herbal medicines and beverages. You can actually grow it in your backyard! Pampas grass can grow to a height of 3 meters. It has long and slender leaves and is evergreen. In places like California, it is known as the invasive weed.

Now, a word about selecting the type of grass for your lawn...

Consider the part of the country you are living in. Consider the climate and amount of rainfall your region receives. This is because some types of grasses require high amounts of rainfall while other do not. Think if you love gardening or not. You can accordingly opt for grasses requiring a high or low maintenance. At times grasses like Fescue requiring low maintenance don't tolerate traffic. So consider the traffic of people your lawn is likely to get. Understand the amount of sunlight required by the various types of grasses and see, which needs of grasses, your lawn can satisfy.

I had never thought there would be so much to say about something like grass. That made me realize how less we think of the things around us. So the next time you walk on grass with bare feet or mow your lawn, think of the variety in the types of grass as a nature's gift.