Happy Urban Dirt

In the plant kingdom, there are many families and plants that are classified into groups because they are similar. Some are better known than others, but sometimes you need to find out more about them, especially if they are related to allergies. They are usually called grasses, but what plants are grasses?

If you have been diagnosed with an allergy or have had one and want to take a closer look at the plants you should stay away from, see what we have prepared for you.

What are grasses?

The first thing you should know about grasses is that in most cases they are herbaceous plants. They have an annual or multi-year cycle, that is, they may live for only a few months of the year or last for 12 months.

In total, there are about 12,000 different species, which constitutes 20% of the vegetation we have on Earth.

Their scientific name is Poaceae, but they are not as widely known as grasses.

Visually, the huge majority of grasses are herbaceous, as we have already said, but it may happen that some will be rhizomatous or even woody (although we have already said that this is not normal).. The stems of these plants are called shoots. (because they are cylindrical and hollow) and may be above ground (because they float, creep or ascend) or below ground (in the case of pseudobulbs or rhizomes).

When it comes to leaves, most have sheaths, blades, and tongues. Sometimes these “leaves” are much more pretty than the flower the plant may have. And speaking of it, when it enters this phase, spikelets are produced, filled with flowers, and these, in turn, with pollenwhich is why many people should stay away from them (due to the allergies they cause). In fact, in Spain it is one of the most allergenic.

types of grass

Now that you know which plants are grasses and what characteristics they have, Do you think there are several types? Among the 12,000 species, there are certainly many different classifications. However, we understand that there will be two enormous groups:

grasses for consumption

These are plants that provide food for humans. This means that they are consumed in a person’s diet, such as flours, oils, cereals…

But this enormous group could also include the so-called fodder grasses, which are those used to feed birds and livestock, to feed them, allow them to grow, and then slaughter them and apply them as food for humans.

So, anyway, these plants reach humans, that’s why many people find out whether they are allergic or not by eating certain foods (and then doing the appropriate tests).

decorative grass

The second enormous group of these plants are ornamental grasses. That is, those that are used in gardens and on terraces to decorate. The goal is that these, because of their herbaceous habit, give some movement, as well as different textures and environments, to the entire garden.

Plus, not only do they have this apply, but the huge majority of grasses assist give gardens a more natural look and are more sustainable and simple to maintain.

Of course, When using them, special care should be taken to ensure that no one living in the house is allergic to the pollen of these plants.because if so, it is not recommended to have it. But to give you an idea, one of the most ornamental (and also used) is the grass itself.

What plants are grasses

Finally, we would like to talk to you about some plants that are grasses. And it is common knowledge which ones are intended for consumption (for humans or animals), but this does not apply so much to other grass species, such as ornamental grasses (which you may have in your garden).

Muhlenbergia capillaris

This plant can reach a height and width of one meter, with spikes that bloom in autumn and give it a peculiar appearance because they produce very miniature pink flowers that color the plant.

Cylindrical row “Red Baron”

The cylindrical imperata, which we have already discussed on another occasion, is a herbaceous plant characterized by the fact that the tips of the “leaves” are red and the rest are green.

It doesn’t grow much, about 45 centimeters, but it allows you to obtain compelling soil thanks to the two-colored leaf.

Miscanthus sinensis zebrinus

Another ornamental plant is one that catches the eye when you look at it because its “leaves” are green and yellow, giving the impression that it is a zebra.

The flowers will appear in summer on spikes and will be white. (this will make the plant stand out more).

Cyperus Papyrus

For a plant to develop properly, it needs an aquatic environment. And when it does, it can grow into a long stem with leaves growing in a strange way: umbrella-shaped, completely covering it, and emerald green in color.

During the flowering period, the thorns will be brown.

Cortaderia senoalla

Carrizo de la Pampa, better known as pampa grass, is one of the most prized grass plants. It grows to a height of one and a half meters, but the most pretty thing about it are its thorns.which will be feathery and that is why it attracts so much attention.

consumption grasses

Since we do not want to leave you without examples of this group, Here is a list of the most common:

• Rice.
• Avena.
• Bamboo.
• Barley.
• Sugarcane.
• Elated birthday.
• Wheat.
• Corn.
• Mijo.

It is not customary to plant them in the garden, but you can find fields where these plants are cultivated.

As you can see, there are many plants that are grasses. Be aware that many of them can become invasive if planted where they shouldn’t (or are banned). Did you know this plant family?

Now that you know which plants are grasses and that they can cause allergies, Would you dare to plant ornamental plants in your garden?