QUESTION:
I was asked recently about developing a 'code of standards for Minneapolis housing inspectors re. boulevards and private landscaped spaces', what grasses would I recommend NOT be planted or that should be REMOVED from landscapes.
Phalaris arundinaceae, reed canarygrass came to mind immediately, a grass that is so common and a huge monoculture in so many wetlands in Minnesota. BUT I have the ornamental form of Phalaris arundinacea 'Feesey's Form', aka 'Strawberries and Cream' planted in my yard on a dry difficult site. I continue to remove reed canarygrass from my property and grass collection.
Here was my complete ANSWER:
This is fun to think about, however it is hard to come up with grasses that I would not plant or ask people to remove. reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) has caused a lot of concern and work to remove it from wetland areas. I remove it from my yard, but I do have some ribbongrass (Phalaris arundinacea 'Feesey's Form' that can be invasive, but in the dry tough site where it is, it is not a problem.
Miscanthus can be a big problem, especially if not watched for reseeding, our Minnesota growing season has really helped us avoid this problem. I certainly would encourage diversity and planting a wild range of plants, including native species, esp if buckthorn is removed. garlic mustard and giant hogweed are certainly to be avoided and I remove these from my yard regularly.
I think a listing of the worst invaders and a conscious effort to plant a wide diversity of native plants is the way to go. As much as I dislike the monoculture of a lawn, it does make an easy cover that does not erode and looks nice to most people. Using fine fescues and letting them grow and mow only a few times a year, or just mow the edge can be a low maintenance way to go and listing references for people to use, lists and photos of native plants is very helpful.
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