White Cutgrass
Leersia virginica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
White cutgrass is a native perennial grass that thrives in moist, shaded areas where many other grasses struggle. It forms loose clumps with slender green leaves and produces inconspicuous flower spikes in late summer. This grass works well as groundcover in consistently wet spots or naturalized areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
White 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.
- Has a wild, unmaintained appearance
- Can look scraggly and weedy
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may seem unkempt
Wildlife value
While not showy to pollinators, this grass provides seeds for birds and nesting material for small wildlife. It supports native ecosystems by offering habitat structure in wet, shaded 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 White Cutgrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.