How much light does basketgrass need?

Basketgrass grows best in part shade to shade, making it a good fit for woodland floors and shaded garden beds where direct sun is limited.

How much water does Oplismenus hirtellus need?

This grass prefers medium moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once established, especially in shaded sites where soil stays cooler.

When does basketgrass bloom?

Basketgrass produces its inconspicuous flowers from June through September.

Is basketgrass evergreen?

In warm, humid climates basketgrass tends to stay green through most of the year, though it may thin out or die back where winters bring hard frost.

Is Basketgrass HOA-friendly?

Basketgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Basketgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oplismenus hirtellus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus) is a perennial grass native to FL, VA. It blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Toxicity unknown

Basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

FL, VA

Native alternatives to Basketgrass

Basketgrass is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Basketgrass is a low-growing perennial grass that forms spreading clumps in partially shaded areas. It produces delicate flower spikes from summer through early fall and tolerates moderate moisture conditions well.

Growing Basketgrass

Grow Basketgrass in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Basketgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively and can appear weedy
Low growth habit may look unkempt in formal settings
Often mistaken for invasive grass species

Wildlife value

This grass provides habitat and potential nesting material for small wildlife, though it has limited documented pollinator value.

Common questions

How much light does basketgrass need?: Basketgrass grows best in part shade to shade, making it a good fit for woodland floors and shaded garden beds where direct sun is limited.
How much water does Oplismenus hirtellus need?: This grass prefers medium moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once established, especially in shaded sites where soil stays cooler.
When does basketgrass bloom?: Basketgrass produces its inconspicuous flowers from June through September.
Is basketgrass evergreen?: In warm, humid climates basketgrass tends to stay green through most of the year, though it may thin out or die back where winters bring hard frost.
Is Basketgrass HOA-friendly?: Basketgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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