How much sun does Running Mountaingrass need?

Running Mountaingrass grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Running Mountaingrass bloom?

Running Mountaingrass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Running Mountaingrass native?

Running Mountaingrass (Oplismenus compositus) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Running Mountaingrass HOA-friendly?

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

Running Mountaingrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oplismenus compositus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Running Mountaingrass (Oplismenus compositus) 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

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Running mountaingrass is a low-growing native perennial that forms spreading clumps in shaded areas. This woodland grass produces delicate flower spikes in summer and works well as a groundcover under trees or in naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Running Mountaingrass 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.

Running growth habit may appear uncontrolled
Low height can look unkempt in formal settings
May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

While pollinator support is limited, this grass provides habitat and potential food sources for ground-dwelling wildlife and small birds that may feed on its seeds.

Common questions

How much sun does Running Mountaingrass need?: Running Mountaingrass grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Running Mountaingrass bloom?: Running Mountaingrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Running Mountaingrass native?: Running Mountaingrass (Oplismenus compositus) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Running Mountaingrass HOA-friendly?: Running Mountaingrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Running Mountaingrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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