Sweetgrass Winter Care
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Scott Witchey
Posted on: December 20, 1999

I ordered sweetgrass this past spring and it is now just entering winter in Columbus, Ohio, USA. I need to know if I should do anything with my sweetgrass (cut it back) or do I just leave it as is.

Sweetgrass is native in the North American Prairies and is hardy in zones 3 to 9. To prevent frost heaving, it might be a good idea to not cut the grass back, because the stalks will then catch and hold snow, thereby preventing the freezing and thawing that leads to frost heaving. If it gets too unsightly, you could just shorten the stalks, but leave enough of a stubble to hold snow. If there is little snow during the first winter, it might help to add a straw mulch around the base of the plant to take the place of snow.

Please let me know. I sent an e-mail about 2 weeks ago but never received a reply. Thank you for your help. Sincerely,Scott

So sorry to make you wait, but in mid-winter we are short on staff, because all the rushes are over!

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