Basketgrass

Basketgrass: Why This Pretty Ground Cover Should Stay Out of Your Garden

At first glance, basketgrass might seem like the perfect solution for that shady corner of your yard. With its striking variegated leaves and cascading habit, this perennial grass can certainly catch your eye at the garden center. But before you bring it home, there’s something important you need to know about this seemingly innocent plant.

What Is Basketgrass?

Basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus undulatifolius) is a perennial grass native to East Asia. You might also find it sold under its synonyms, such as Panicum undulatifolium. This graminoid – that’s garden-speak for grass or grass-like plant – belongs to the same family as traditional lawn grasses but behaves quite differently in the landscape.

The plant gets its common name from its weaving, basket-like growth pattern as it spreads across the ground. Its most distinctive feature is its beautifully variegated foliage, with leaves striped in green and creamy white that create an almost painted effect.

The Problem: It’s an Invasive Species

Here’s where things get complicated. Despite its ornamental appeal, basketgrass is classified as invasive in North America and is actually prohibited in Wisconsin. This non-native species has proven it can establish itself in the wild without any help from gardeners, spreading beyond where it’s planted and potentially disrupting local ecosystems.

Currently documented in Maryland, basketgrass has the potential to spread to other states where conditions are suitable. Its aggressive spreading habit – the same trait that makes it appealing as a ground cover – becomes problematic when it escapes cultivation.

Geographic Distribution and Spread

While basketgrass is currently confirmed in Maryland, its invasive status suggests it has the potential to establish in other areas with similar growing conditions. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, though it’s sometimes grown as an annual in cooler regions.

Why Gardeners Are Tempted

It’s easy to understand basketgrass’s appeal:

• Attractive variegated foliage that brightens shady areas
• Low-maintenance ground cover that spreads readily
• Thrives in shade where many other plants struggle
• Works well in containers and hanging baskets
• Tolerates a variety of soil conditions

Growing Conditions (For Identification Purposes)

Understanding where basketgrass thrives can help you identify it in the wild. This plant prefers:

• Shade to partial shade locations
• Moist, well-draining soil
• Consistent moisture levels
• Protected areas in cooler climates

Our Recommendation: Just Say No

Given its invasive status and prohibition in some states, we strongly recommend against planting basketgrass. While it might perform well in your garden, there’s always the risk of it spreading beyond your property boundaries and impacting native plant communities.

Better Alternatives for Your Shade Garden

Fortunately, there are plenty of native and non-invasive alternatives that can provide similar benefits:

• Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for ground cover
• Coral bells (Heuchera species) for colorful foliage
• Native sedges like Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
• Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) for spreading ground cover

What to Do If You Already Have It

If basketgrass is already growing in your garden, consider removing it and replacing it with native alternatives. The plant’s spreading habit means it’s best to remove all runners and root systems to prevent regrowth. Dispose of plant material in your household trash rather than composting to prevent accidental spread.

Remember, being a responsible gardener means considering not just what looks good in our own yards, but what’s best for our local ecosystems. While basketgrass might be pretty, there are plenty of equally attractive native plants that won’t cause ecological headaches down the road.