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Sharp Grass

Imperata cylindrica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sharp Grass (Imperata cylindrica)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子

Toxicity unknown

Sharp Grass (Imperata cylindrica) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native alternatives to Sharp Grass

Sharp Grass 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.

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Imperata cylindrica is an ornamental grass that forms compact clumps with narrow green leaves. It produces feathery flower plumes in late spring through summer and offers a neat, upright growth habit that works well in formal landscapes.

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In an HOA neighborhood

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

  • Imperata cylindrica is an aggressive invasive species banned in many states
  • Spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes and can overtake native vegetation
  • May be prohibited by local ordinances due to invasive status

Wildlife value

This grass provides minimal wildlife value as it produces sterile flowers that do not attract significant pollinators or provide seed for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Sharp Grass need?
Sharp Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sharp Grass bloom?
Sharp Grass blooms in May, June, and July.
Is Sharp Grass HOA-friendly?
Sharp Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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