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      Helen Keating  •  13 Jul 2020

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      Charlie Mellor  •  02 Jun 2022

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      Adam Shaw  •  01 Jun 2022

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Grasses and sedges

Grasses and sedges are in different botanical families, but because of their similar appearance they are collectively known as graminoids (plants with a grass-like appearance). 

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Cocksfoot grass

    Tenacious and hard to budge. When other grasses succumb to drought, cocksfoot can be relied on for its perseverance; its deep roots and dense, tussocky growth securing its survival.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Meadow foxtail

    Upright and bushy-tailed, meadow foxtail is a charming addition to any meadow. It provides food and habitats for a variety of invertebrates, including the caterpillars of the Essex skipper butterfly.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Pendulous sedge

    Attractive, strong, damp-lover. Spot pendulous sedge swooning in damp woodland and river banks. It’s useful in a pinch, with edible seeds and strong leaves that can be made into rope and matting.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Timothy grass

    A gentle and swaying irritant. Though this grass is a favourite with insects and farmers, it may well be to blame for your hay fever! It is a very common allergen, but is now being used in a cure to your seasonal sneezes.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Yorkshire fog grass

    Beautiful but unpalatable, Yorkshire fog grass glows a gentle purple in meadows and wasteland alike. It’s not a favourite with livestock, but is eaten by the caterpillars of the Essex skipper.

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The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).  A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873.

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