Sesleria autumnalis
autumn moor grass
S Europe (Italy, Balkans, Turkey; limestone meadows, rocky grasslands, open woodlands; chartreuse-green evergreen mound; shade-tolerant grass; z5)
Overview
Sesleria autumnalis is an evergreen perennial grass reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a dense, mounding, clump-forming habit. Native to southern Europe—Italy, the Balkans, and into Turkey—in limestone meadows and open woodlands, it produces narrow, chartreuse-green to yellow-green leaves 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide that form a dense, arching mound. Silvery-white flower spikes 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long appear above the foliage in August-October on slender stems. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 5. The chartreuse-green foliage is the primary feature—brighter than most grasses and maintaining color well into winter. Cool-season grass that greens up early in spring. Tolerates more shade than most ornamental grasses. Non-invasive clumper.
Native Range
Sesleria autumnalis is native to southern Europe—Italy, the Balkans, and into Turkey—in limestone meadows, rocky grasslands, and open woodlands.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, mass plantings, or as groundcover at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Chartreuse-green evergreen mound. Silvery autumn flower spikes. Shade-tolerant grass. Non-invasive clumper. Limestone-tolerant. Cool-season—early spring green. Not suitable for wet soils or deep shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Silvery-white; slender spikes 2-3 inches; above foliage; Aug-OctFoliage Description
Chartreuse-green to yellow-green; narrow 0.25 inch; dense arching mound; evergreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, average to lean soil (pH 6.0-8.0). Hardy to zone 5. Tolerates alkaline soil—limestone origin. Cool-season grass—greens early, holds color into winter. Tolerates more shade than most grasses. Cut back in late winter before new growth.Pruning
Cut back to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in late winter before new growth emerges. The evergreen foliage may look good into winter—delay cutting if presentable.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons