Beak Grass

About Beak Grass

Beak Grass (Diarrhena obovata) is a distinguished native perennial that brings a touch of sophisticated greenery to the shaded corners of your garden. Closely related to American Beak Grass, this species is identified by its slightly larger, obovate (blunt-tipped) seeds that appear in late summer and early fall. The plant grows in tidy, arching clumps reaching about 2 to 3 feet tall, with wide, lustrous leaves that catch the dappled light of the woodland floor. It is a staple of the Midwestern forest landscape, providing essential cover and forage for wild turkeys and small mammals. Thriving in partial to full shade and medium-moisture soils, Beak Grass is exceptionally resilient and can handle a variety of soil types, including heavier clays. Its architectural form makes it a perfect companion for spring ephemerals, filling in the gaps as they go dormant. For successful germination, seeds benefit from a period of cold-moist stratification, eventually rewarding the patient gardener with a durable and beautiful groundcover.