Cutgrass: complete guide

Overview

Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), also called sharp-leaved grass, is an elegant water plant from the grass family (Poaceae) occurring naturally in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere - from Europe to North America. This grass grows in shallow waters, ditches, marshes and along riverbanks. It is not as showy as reed (Phragmites australis) or sweet flag (Acorus calamus), but contributes subtle ornamental value to water and wetland gardens.

Cutgrass reaches 60–100 cm in height and spreads via underground rhizomes. The leaves are narrow, approximately 0.5–1 cm wide, with sharp edges that give the plant its common name - the surface can indeed be slightly cutting. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in September–October and greenish in colour. On gardenworld.app you can create a water garden design where cutgrass combines with other water plants such as water mint, bitter dock, and water lily to form a naturalistic water ecosystem.