Warm season grasses occupy an important niche in the mosaic of natural and man-made habitats in the East. They can be tall or medium height Warm season grassesg row during the summer months and then bloom and set seed in the fall.
Most cool season grasses are woodland species that tolerate shade or species that are adapted to extremely adverse growing conditions. They are short to medium height. Cool season grasses grow during the fall and spring months and then bloom and set seed in the Spring and early summer.
The unique hydrologic regime found in wetlands and riparian areas determine which species occupy these habitats.
Wetlands such as swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens are flooded with water for extended periods of time. Riparian habitats, the areas along rivers and streams, have unique topography and a periodic flooding regime.