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Lygeum spartum (False Esparto Grass) - A slowly spreading rhizomatous grass that forms expanding lumps with attractive vertically-inclined pale yellowish gray-green rush-like leaves that grow to 2-3 feet tall. In spring into summer appear the curious flowers of this grass which have 2 or 3 large single flower spikelets fused together at the base surrounded by many long hairs and are further enveloped by a pair of large pale-colored spathe-like bracts.
Plant in full sun to light shade in most any soil and irrigate occasionally to infrequently. It is drought & salt tolerant and cold hardy to around 10° F. This attractive and interesting grass generally remains fairly neat looking but should it need to be tidied up, it can be hard raked or cut back in late fall to allow regrowth in winter and spring.
Lygeum spartum is naturally widespread throughout the Mediterranean region from southern Italy and Crete west to the Iberian Peninsula and in North Africa, where it is found on clay and chalky soils in arid climates from 400 to 3,200 feet in elevation, often higher in elevation than the similar more coastal Stipa tenacissima. Both grasses are very tolerant of saline soils and though this grass has been commonly called Esparto Grass, this name is more correctly used for Stipa tenacissima, while the common names for Lygeum spartum are Albardín, Alvarde or False Esparto. The name Lygeum was first applied to this plant by Linnaeus from the Greek 'lygion', (switch) or 'lygizo', (to bend) for the plant's flexibility and use in mats, sails and ropes. The specific epithet is from the Greek word 'sparton' for "rope" and this is translated back to Spanish as 'esparto'. Its extensive root system has been shown to play a significant role in preventing desertification by stabilizing sandy soils and is a valued source of forage and for making rope, baskets, shoes, and paper.
We sought out this grass starting in 2005 after we were given seed of it by the "Meadow Master" John Greenlee, who noted at that time that he thought this an up and coming ornamental grass. Unfortunately, we got no germination of that first seed but finally located plants we could divide and have grown this attractive and interesting grass since 2010. John was correct as this grass, which has proven to be a bit tricky to propagate, has since become very popular.
This information about Lygeum spartum displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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