Thingrass
Agrostis pallens
Care
full sun, part shade
low
Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as drainage is good.
0–2ft tall
Mar-May
Deciduous
Friendly
Coastal salt marshes from San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara County, at sea level in saline wetland habitats.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Thingrass in full sun or part shade - it's flexible enough to grow under trees as a groundcover. It tolerates a variety of soils as long as drainage is good, so amend heavy clay with compost if water tends to pool. The best time to plant is in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Space plants according to your desired coverage rate, keeping in mind they'll reach about 1 foot in height and width.
After Planting
Water weekly through your first summer to establish the plant, then you can cut back to once weekly or less once established - this is half the water demand of typical lawn grasses. Thingrass is deciduous and will go dormant in winter, which is normal. Mowing is optional; you can let it grow into a meadow-like appearance or trim it back if you prefer a neater lawn. The #1 mistake is overwatering after the first year; this plant thrives on drought and actually prefers dry conditions once established.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Year-round resident; winter seed foraging critical for survival
Critical fall migration staging fuel; seed availability Sep-Nov
Spring nesting habitat in coastal grasslands; nesting material
Insects
Fungal pathogen; sporulation peaks spring-early summer
Primary infection during cool, wet spring conditions
Fungal leaf pathogen; active during growing season
Specialized rust pathogen on fine fescues and bentgrasses
Obligate pathogen; favored by cool dry conditions
Mammals
Seeds essential for overwinter food caching; Oct-Nov peak