Ornamental Grasses along timber bulkhead - Ask Extension
We just replaced the timber bulkhead on our property on the Choptank River, and we would like to plant a native grass (preferably ornamental clumping ...
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Ornamental Grasses along timber bulkhead #846642
Asked August 21, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
We just replaced the timber bulkhead on our property on the Choptank River, and we would like to plant a native grass (preferably ornamental clumping variety) along the edge of the bulkhead to serve as a visual buffer between the lawn and water's edge. We will have rip-rap placed along the rest of the property line next spring, and intend to use a similar (or same) grass in this area.
I have attached a photo which shows the area of the timber bulkhead in red, and the rip rap area in blue.
We are on the south shore of the choptank, and we often get salt water spray when storms roll through or even on windy days, so we need to plant a variety that is tolerant to salt.
Thanks for your help!
Dorchester County Maryland
Expert Response
Thank you for your question-
For a shoreline planting of clumping grasses, I would recommend going with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or coastal panic grass (P. amarum). These are both native and would be excellent shoreline stabilizers, as well as form clumps that will be tolerant to the salt inundation. This close to the shoreline, you may also consider saltmeadow hay (Spartina patens). You did not mention preference for height, but I doubt either of these grasses would impede your view this close to the bulkhead.
There are also cultivars of switchgrass that would provide different ornamental appearances and height variation: 'Heavy Metal' is very upright and defies flopping over, 'Shenandoah' is shorter with red-tinged foliage, and 'Cloud Nine' is probably the shortest around 3' tall. These are just a few of many options.
-Mikaela
For a shoreline planting of clumping grasses, I would recommend going with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or coastal panic grass (P. amarum). These are both native and would be excellent shoreline stabilizers, as well as form clumps that will be tolerant to the salt inundation. This close to the shoreline, you may also consider saltmeadow hay (Spartina patens). You did not mention preference for height, but I doubt either of these grasses would impede your view this close to the bulkhead.
There are also cultivars of switchgrass that would provide different ornamental appearances and height variation: 'Heavy Metal' is very upright and defies flopping over, 'Shenandoah' is shorter with red-tinged foliage, and 'Cloud Nine' is probably the shortest around 3' tall. These are just a few of many options.
-Mikaela
