Autumn moor grass (Sesleria autumnalis)

Autumn moor grass

Features and Characteristics

Sesleria autumnalis, commonly called autumn moor grass, is a cool season, clump-forming ornamental grass which typically grows 8-12″ tall with narrow flower spikes rising above the foliage clump in summer to 18″ tall. Flowers give way in autumn to silvery-white inflorescences. Attractive, narrow, yellow-green foliage (to 3/16″ wide). This grass is indigenous to the moors of Europe and puts on its best flowering display in autumn, hence the common name.

Genus name honors Leonardo Sesler (d. 178- , doctor at Venice, who had a private botanic garden there.

Specific epithet means autumn.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils and drought. Somewhat intolerant of high summer heat and humidity. Cut clumps back to the ground in late winter.

Autumn moor grass (Sesleria autumnalis) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. This grass did not do well at the Kemper Center in the hot and humid St. Louis summers.

Uses

Mass under trees or in full sun as a ground cover. Best planted in large sweeps in informal areas rather than borders because the ornamental qualities of this grass are somewhat minimal.

Autumn moor grass (Sesleria autumnalis) Details

Common name	Autumn moor grass
Botanical name	Sesleria autumnalis
Plant type	Ornamental grass
Family	Poaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Greenish
Flowering period	September - Oc- ber
Height	0.75 to 1 ft.
Width	0.50 to 1 ft.