Recently, people have been looking into using alternate varieties of naturally low-growing, evergreen plants. Some are listed as low growing, since their leaves don’t grow very tall, but some of these get flowers that rise well above the leaves, requiring more maintenance. Most have to be planted as plugs (tiny plants) instead of sod or seed, so there is a longer establishment period. These species have been discussed for the Sacramento Valley:
- Carex praegracilis (also known as Carex pansa). Evergreen sedge, naturally low growing, no tall flowers. Native to California.
- Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia caespitosa). Leaves are low, but flowers rise high enough to turn your “lawn” into a meadow. Native to California.
- Berkeley sedge, Carex divulsa (formerly known as Carex tumulicola). Higher growing, but grows well here. Would need occasional high mowing. Native to Central Europe.
- Buffalo grass, Buchloe dactyloides. Naturally low growing grass. Turns brown in winter.