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Blue Moor-grass

Sesleria caerulea

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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae (Grass)

Also in this family:

Alpine Catstail, Alpine Foxtail, Alpine Meadow-grass, Annual Beard-grass, Annual Meadow-grass, Arrow Bamboo, Barren Brome Grass, Bearded Couch Grass, Bearded Fescue, Bermuda Grass, Black Bent, Black Grass, Blue Fescue, Bog Hair-grass, Borrer's Saltmarsh Grass, Bread Wheat, Bristle Bent, Brown Bent, Brown Sedge, Bulbous Foxtail, Bulbous Meadow-grass, California Brome Grass, Canary Grass, Carnation Sedge, Cocksfoot, Cockspur, Common Bent, Common Cord-grass, Common Millet, Common Reed, Common Saltmarsh Grass, Compact Brome Grass, Corn, Couch Grass, Creeping Bent, Creeping Soft-grass, Crested Dog's-tail, Crested Hair-grass, Cultivated Oat, Curved Hard Grass, Cut Grass, Dense Silky Bent, Downy Oat-grass, Drooping Brome Grass, Drooping Tor Grass, Dune Fescue, Early Hair-grass, Early Meadow-grass, Early Sand-grass, False Brome Grass, False Oat-grass, Fern Grass, Fine-leaved Sheep's Fescue, Flattened Meadow-grass, Floating Sweet-grass, Foxtail Barley, French Oat, Giant Fescue, Glaucous Meadow-grass, Great Brome Grass, Greater Quaking Grass, Grey Hair-grass, Hairy Brome Grass, Hairy Finger-grass, Hard Fescue, Hard Grass, Harestail Grass, Heath Grass, Holy Grass, Hybrid Marram Grass, Italian Rye Grass, Knotroot Bristlegrass, Lesser Hairy Brome Grass, Lesser Quaking Grass, Loose Silky Bent, Lyme Grass, Marram Grass, Marsh Foxtail, Mat Grass, Mat-grass Fescue, Meadow Barley, Meadow Fescue, Meadow Foxtail, Meadow Oat-grass, Mountain Melick, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass, Narrow-leaved Small-reed, Neglected Couch Grass, Nit Grass, Orange Foxtail, Pampas Grass, Perennial Rye Grass, Plicate Sweet-grass, Purple Moor-grass, Purple Small-reed, Purple-stem Catstail, Quaking Grass, Ratstail Fescue, Red Fescue, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Sweet-grass, Reflexed Saltmarsh Grass, Rescue Grass, Rough Meadow-grass, Rush-leaved Fescue, Sand Catstail, Sand Couch Grass, Scandinavian Small-reed, Scottish Small-reed, Sea Barley, Sea Couch Grass, Sea Fern Grass, Sheep's Fescue, Silver Hair-grass, Six-rowed Barley, Slender Brome Grass, Small Cord-grass, Small Sweet-grass, Smaller Catstail, Smooth Brome Grass, Smooth Cord-grass, Smooth Finger-grass, Smooth Meadow-grass, Soft Brome Grass, Somerset Hair-grass, Sorghum, Spreading Meadow-grass, Squirreltail Fescue, Stiff Brome Grass, Stiff Saltmarsh Grass, Sweet Vernal Grass, Tall Fescue, Timothy Grass, Tor Grass, Tufted Hair-grass, Two-rowed Barley, Upright Brome Grass, Velvet Bent, Viviparous Fescue, Wall Barley, Wavy Hair-grass, Wavy Meadow-grass, Whorl Grass, Wild Oat, Wood Barley, Wood Fescue, Wood Meadow-grass, Wood Melick, Wood Millet, Yellow Oat-grass, Yorkshire Fog

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Bogs, fens, gardens, grassland, meadows, mountains, rocky places.

Flower:

Purple, no petals

Blue moor grass produces inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly showy or fragrant. The plant is primarily cultivated for its ornamental grassy foliage rather than its flowering display. The flowers are typically small and greenish, arranged in panicles or spikelets. These flowers play a role in the plant's reproductive process, leading to the formation of seeds that contribute to its propagation. While the flowers may not be the focal point of the plant's aesthetic appeal, the overall appearance of Blue moor grass, including its delicate flowers, can contribute to the plant's charm when viewed as part of the entire landscape. Gardeners often appreciate this grass for its low-maintenance qualities and its ability to add texture and interest to gardens and naturalistic settings.

Fruit:

Blue moor grass is a tufted, perennial grass native to Europe. It does not produce traditional fruits but instead forms seedheads. The seedheads are typically panicle-shaped, consisting of small, densely packed spikelets. These spikelets contain the seeds of the grass. The seeds are often dispersed by wind or other natural means to propagate and establish new growth. The overall appearance of the seedheads adds to the aesthetic charm of the grass, especially when captured in a natural setting.

Leaves:

Blue moor grass is renowned for its attractive and distinctive foliage. The leaves are narrow, linear, and arching, forming dense tufts or clumps. The color of the leaves can vary, ranging from blue-green to bluish-gray, giving the plant its common name. The foliage is evergreen, providing interest and texture to the landscape throughout the year. The leaves are relatively fine, creating a graceful and ornamental effect. Blue moor grass is well-suited for various garden settings, including rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover. Gardeners often appreciate the versatility of Blue moor grass, as its foliage adds a touch of elegance to garden designs. The overall appearance of the leaves, along with their hardiness and adaptability, makes this grass species a popular choice for those seeking low-maintenance yet visually appealing landscape features.

Aroma:

Blue moor grass is a grass species primarily cultivated for its ornamental appeal and is not typically grown for its fragrance or aroma. As a grass, it doesn't produce showy or fragrant flowers, and its seeds or seedheads are not known for emitting distinctive aromas. The plant is valued more for its aesthetic qualities, such as its tufted, evergreen foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings. Gardeners and enthusiasts appreciate Blue moor grass for its visual appeal and its ability to add texture and color to landscapes rather than for any notable fragrance associated with its fruit or seed structures.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Purple Moor-grass

Summary

Sesleria caerulea, also known as blue moorgrass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to Europe, and is known for its blue-green leaves and small, spike-like inflorescences that appear in late spring and early summer. It typically grows in damp, acidic soils such as bogs and fens, as well as rocky or gravelly habitats, such as mountain meadows. Sesleria caerulea is a perennial grass, it forms dense tufts and it's drought-tolerant, making it suitable for many gardens, including rock gardens and meadows. It can also be used in naturalistic planting schemes, such as prairie gardens and in creating meadow effect.

Blog

Blue Moor-grass, Sesleria caerulea, is a hardy, perennial grass native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a low-growing, clump-forming plant that typically grows to a height of 10-30cm (4-12 inches) and a spread of 30-60cm (12-24 inches). The leaves are evergreen, narrow, and grass-like, with a blue-green color that gives the plant its common name.

Blue Moor-grass is a versatile and attractive plant that is popular in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as a groundcover. It is also well-suited to growing in containers, making it an ideal choice for small spaces such as balconies and patios. In addition, Blue Moor-grass is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor and rocky soils.

One of the most striking features of Blue Moor-grass is its flowers. In early summer, the plant produces upright stems of deep blue-violet flowers that stand above the foliage. The flowers are small and delicate, but they create a stunning effect when viewed en masse. After the flowers fade, the plant produces seed heads that turn a pale golden color, adding interest to the garden in the fall and winter months.

Blue Moor-grass is also valued for its ability to provide habitat and food for wildlife. The plant's dense foliage provides cover for small mammals and birds, while the seeds are a source of food for birds such as finches and buntings.

When it comes to growing Blue Moor-grass, there are a few things to keep in mind. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can tolerate drought but should be watered regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Blue Moor-grass can be propagated from seed or by dividing established clumps in the spring or fall.

Blue Moor-grass, Sesleria caerulea, is a valuable addition to any garden or landscape. Its low-growing habit and evergreen foliage make it an ideal choice for creating a naturalistic look in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and other low-maintenance settings. It is also an excellent choice for edging, borders, and mass plantings.

One of the benefits of Blue Moor-grass is its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, including acidic, alkaline, and sandy soils. It is also tolerant of salt and can be used in coastal gardens. However, it does not do well in heavy, wet soils.

Blue Moor-grass is a relatively slow-growing plant, which makes it an excellent choice for areas where you want to avoid frequent maintenance. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning or deadheading. However, it is important to remove any dead or damaged foliage in the spring to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.

In terms of pests and diseases, Blue Moor-grass is generally not susceptible to many problems. However, it can be affected by crown rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. In addition, it can be susceptible to spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Blue Moor-grass, Sesleria caerulea, is also known for its ability to prevent soil erosion. Its fibrous roots help to stabilize soil on steep slopes or in areas prone to erosion. It is often used in restoration projects to help prevent soil erosion and to promote the growth of native plants.

In addition to its practical uses, Blue Moor-grass is also a popular choice for ornamental grass gardens. Its blue-green foliage and delicate blue-violet flowers make it a beautiful addition to any garden. It pairs well with other low-growing plants, such as sedums, and can be used to create a naturalistic look in rock gardens, meadows, and other informal settings.

Blue Moor-grass is also a great choice for gardeners looking to attract wildlife to their gardens. The dense foliage provides cover for small mammals and birds, while the seeds are a source of food for birds such as finches and buntings.

One of the benefits of Blue Moor-grass is that it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It requires minimal pruning or deadheading and is resistant to most pests and diseases. It is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens and landscapes.

Facts about Blue Moor-grass

Blue Moor-grass, also known as Sesleria caerulea, is a type of perennial grass that is native to central and southern Europe. Here are some key facts about this plant:

Appearance: Blue Moor-grass is a low-growing grass that typically reaches heights of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) and forms clumps that can spread up to 60 cm (2 feet) in diameter. Its leaves are blue-green in color and can grow up to 25 cm (10 inches) long.
Habitat: Blue Moor-grass is commonly found in mountainous and alpine regions, as well as in grasslands, meadows, and woodlands. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Uses: Blue Moor-grass is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is also used for erosion control and soil stabilization in areas with steep slopes.
Cultivation: Blue Moor-grass can be propagated from seed or by dividing clumps in the spring. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires little water and fertilizer once established.
Conservation status: Blue Moor-grass is not considered to be a threatened species, although it may be impacted by habitat loss and degradation.

In summary, Blue Moor-grass is a hardy and attractive grass that is well-suited to alpine and mountainous environments. It has a number of practical uses, including erosion control and soil stabilization, and is also popular as an ornamental plant. While it is not currently threatened, efforts to protect its habitat may be important for its long-term survival.

Videos

Video 1: Blue Moor-grass filmed on Warton Crag, Lancashire on the 2nd April 2023.

Video 2: Blue Moor-grass filmed on Hampsfell at Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria on the 16th April 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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Blue Moor-grass

Contents

Plant Profile

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Blog

Facts about Blue Moor-grass

Videos

Distribution Map