Fernald’s Bluegrass: A Hidden Gem for Cold Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a native grass that thrives in the chilliest corners of North America, let me introduce you to Fernald’s bluegrass (Poa laxa fernaldiana). This little-known perennial grass might not be the showiest plant in your garden center, but it has a special place in the world of cold-climate native gardening.
What is Fernald’s Bluegrass?
Fernald’s bluegrass is a subspecies of the broader Poa laxa complex, and it’s what botanists call a graminoid – essentially a fancy way of saying it’s a grass or grass-like plant. This perennial has also been known by the scientific names Poa fernaldiana and Poa flexuosa subspecies fernaldiana, so don’t be confused if you see it listed differently in older references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This hardy little grass is truly North American through and through, being native to both Canada and the lower 48 states. You’ll find it naturally growing in Quebec, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Labrador, and Newfoundland – basically, if it gets really cold where you live, there’s a good chance Fernald’s bluegrass feels right at home there too.
- Species observed
- No observations
Should You Plant Fernald’s Bluegrass?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Fernald’s bluegrass is what I’d call a specialist plant. Unlike its more common grass cousins that you can plop down anywhere, this one has very particular needs that make it tricky for the average gardener.
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a beginner’s plant. Fernald’s bluegrass thrives in alpine and subalpine conditions, which means it wants:
- Extremely cold winters (likely hardy to zones 2-4)
- Cool, moist growing conditions
- The kind of climate that makes you question your life choices in January
Where It Might Work
If you’re blessed (or cursed, depending on your perspective) with a genuinely cold climate, Fernald’s bluegrass could be perfect for:
- Alpine gardens that mimic mountain conditions
- Rock gardens in very cold climates
- Specialized native plant collections
- Restoration projects in its native range
Growing Tips (For the Brave)
If you’re determined to give this grass a try, here’s what you need to know:
First, make sure you’re in the right climate zone. If you don’t get bone-chilling winters, this probably isn’t the grass for you. Second, think cool and moist when it comes to growing conditions – this isn’t a drought-tolerant prairie grass.
The biggest challenge? Finding it. Fernald’s bluegrass isn’t exactly flying off the shelves at your local garden center. You’ll likely need to connect with specialized native plant nurseries or alpine plant societies.
The Bottom Line
Fernald’s bluegrass is like that friend who’s absolutely wonderful but only in very specific circumstances. If you live in its native range and have the right conditions, it can add authentic local character to your garden. However, if you’re looking for an easy-care grass for general landscaping, you might want to consider other native grass options that are more adaptable.
The key with any specialized native plant like this one is to work with nature, not against it. If your garden naturally provides the cold, moist conditions this grass craves, you might just have found your new favorite ground cover. If not, there’s no shame in admiring it from afar and choosing something better suited to your specific site.
Remember, successful native gardening is all about matching the right plant to the right place – and sometimes that means recognizing when a plant, no matter how interesting, just isn’t right for your particular patch of earth.