How to Grow and Care for Beakgrains

American beakgrain (Diarrhena americana) is a bunchgrass that is native to North America. This species is grown in traditional gardens, wildlife gardens, and in natural landscaping. It is a low-maintenance grass that prefers partial to full shade.

The genus name of manchurian beakgrain (Diarrhena mandshurica) translates from ancient Greek as twice male and refers to the plant's two stamens. Because of its attractive wide blades and its spreading nature, this grass is popular ornamentally. It likes shade and grows well in mass plantings in shade gardens, beside ponds, or on slopes.

Obovate beakgrain is a perennial grass featuring arching glossy green leaves and bamboo-like stems. It blooms late summer with feathery, cream-colored flower spikes. Thriving in shady forest floors, its clumping habit and tolerance for moist soil conditions exemplify an adaptation to understory environments. The seed heads persist into fall, adding textural interest in naturalistic plantings.

Diarrhena japonica is a perennial grass native to East Asia, typically found in moist, shady environments. It grows in clumps with arching, slender leaves, and in late summer, it bears feathery flower spikes that lend a delicate appearance. This understory species adapts well to cool, forest floor conditions, with a preference for rich, loamy soil, where it spreads slowly via rhizomes to form a lush groundcover.