Coleanthus subtilis
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Coleanthus subtilis

Moss Grass · Mudgrass · Sheath grass

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
10–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 6–9
0
Observations
13

Description

Source: leafsnap

Coleanthus is a genus of Eurasian and North American plants in the grass family. The only known species is Coleanthus subtilis. It has a scattered distribution, found on lakeshores, streambanks, and other wet places in central Europe (France, Germany, Czech Rep; extinct in Norway + Italy), Asia (Western Siberia, Khabarovsk, eastern China), and northwestern North America (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia).

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun

Moss grass is native to areas with dappled sunlight, like forest understories or rocky sites that offer natural shade. It grows best in partial sun but can also tolerate full sun conditions.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 10–35°C

Moss grass can adapt to a broad range of temperatures, but its range may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures increase the chance of Moss grass dying. In winter, protecting it from cold can raise its survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 10–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Moss grass forms small, dense mats that benefit from being pruned between early and late spring. To encourage healthy growth and improve airflow, use sharp, sterilized tools to trim away dead stems. Regular maintenance enhances its ornamental appeal, making moss grass an attractive choice for gardens.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Coleanthus
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
2 cm to 5 cm
Mature Spread
1 cm to 3 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
0.10 cm to 0.20 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer
Native Area
Russia, Norway, Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, China

Tags (4)

Common Names (3)

en Moss Grass
en Mudgrass
en Sheath grass