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Shiny Wedgegrass

Sphenopholis nitida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Shiny Wedgegrass (Sphenopholis nitida)
Photo: (c) Nathan Aaron, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nathan Aaron

Toxicity unknown

Shiny Wedgegrass (Sphenopholis nitida) 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 × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees

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

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Sphenopholis nitida is a fine-textured native grass that forms neat, compact clumps in sunny locations. It produces delicate flower spikes from May through July and requires moderate watering to establish.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shiny Wedgegrass 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.

  • Appearance too wild and informal for most HOA standards
  • May be mistaken for weedy grass by neighbors
  • Lacks the manicured look expected in front yards

Wildlife value

This grass provides nectar for bees during its extended bloom period and offers seeds for birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Shiny Wedgegrass need?
Shiny Wedgegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shiny Wedgegrass bloom?
Shiny Wedgegrass blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Shiny Wedgegrass native?
Shiny Wedgegrass (Sphenopholis nitida) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Shiny Wedgegrass attract?
Shiny Wedgegrass draws bees.
Is Shiny Wedgegrass HOA-friendly?
Shiny Wedgegrass 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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