Planting Fast-Growing Ribbon Grass Is A Big Mistake. Here's A Better Alternative

When faced with an empty yard that's in dire need of landscaping, it's tempting to reach for fast-growing plants that will quickly fill the space. But the rapid spread of some species can be bad news. Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is one such fast grower that some gardeners add to their yards as a ground cover – only to be faced with deep regrets. If you're about to plant ribbon grass in your yard, you might want to pause and reconsider, since it's hard to get rid of once it takes hold. It's better to choose an alternative instead, such as switch grass (Panicum virgatum).

Ribbon grass is native to North America as well as Eurasia, but only the non-native strain is an aggressive grower that spreads easily. Even though it's one of the ornamental grasses you can plant, ribbon grass is listed as invasive in over a dozen states and the Canadian province of Ontario. Growing it in these locations is not only illegal, but it can also cause major damage to local ecosystems.

Ribbon grass can reach heights of up to 6 feet, and a single plant can grow into a patch that's 8 feet wide. That's why gardeners may feel like they're getting a great deal out of this fast-growing plant. But if ribbon grass is invasive in your area, or you simply don't want this aggressive grower to outcompete other species in the yard, switch grass is a great alternative worth considering. One of the several colorful ornamental grasses you can add to your landscape, switch grass makes a good substitute for ribbon grass because it also has a clumping growth habit and can attain heights of 7 feet with a 3-foot spread. It thrives in zones 5 to 9 and prefers clay or sandy soil. Switch grass turns shades of gold and orange in the fall and flourishes in moist locations much like ribbon grass, but it only has a moderate growth rate. 

Another option (especially for the moist spots in your yard) is to choose a sedge, the sustainable grass alternative landscaping experts swear by. Gray's sedge (Carex grayi), for instance, is a low-maintenance, clumping, grass-like plant that reaches a more modest height of 3 feet and spreads to a width of 2 feet. It thrives in the same environmental conditions as the invasive ribbon grass, though it does not grow as quickly.