American Beakgrain (Diarrhena americana)
Diarrhena ah-mer-ih-KAY-nah

Deciduous Perennial in the Poaceae Family

Diarrhena americana, commonly known as American beakgrass, is an attractive, clump-forming grass native to the eastern and central regions of North America. This perennial grass forms a neat, upright tuft of slender, green leaf blades that typically reach 12-24 inches in height. In late summer, Diarrhena americana produces airy, terminal panicles of delicate, greenish-white flowers that rise above the foliage, adding visual interest. As the blooms mature, they develop a distinctive, beak-like seed head that gives the plant its common name.

American beakgrass prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained, average to dry soils. It is an excellent choice for natural, woodland-style gardens, where its clumping habit and fine texture contrast beautifully with the coarser leaves of surrounding perennials and shrubs. Diarrhena americana also works well when used as a groundcover or border plant, creating a tidy, low-growing swath of foliage. The grass's tolerance for drought and poor soil conditions makes it a low-maintenance addition to mixed beds, rain gardens, and other challenging landscape settings. With its unique seedheads and cool-season green foliage, Diarrhena americana provides season-long interest and a touch of native charm to a variety of landscape designs.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 24 - 36 inches tall. 18 - 24 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Full Shade - Full Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 3a - 7b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Shade, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Perennial
Bloom Period June - September
Flower Color Green
 

More Info from Experts

Beak Grass
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!