Cutgrass
Leersia oryzoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–40" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cutgrass is a wetland grass that forms loose clumps in moist to wet soils. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes in late summer and requires consistently high moisture levels to thrive. The grass has a somewhat informal appearance and can become quite tall during the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cutgrass 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.
- Requires wetland conditions that are impractical for most residential settings
- Informal growth habit looks too wild for maintained landscapes
- Height and spreading nature can appear unkempt
Wildlife value
This grass provides habitat and nesting material for waterfowl and wetland birds. The seeds offer food for various bird species, particularly those associated with wetland environments.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Cutgrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.