Weaving the Meadow: Five Essential Grasses in Calcareous Grassland

Introduction

When we think of meadows, it’s often the flowers that first catch our eye — their colours and brightness drawing us in. But it’s the grasses that truly hold everything together. In my own paintings, meadow grasses are the constant: they weave the whole scene, create rhythm and texture, and act as a foil for the flowers. This month, I’m delighted to share a guest post from Moira Leitch, an ecology student who has written about the five meadow grasses found in this area. Her words, alongside her photographs, introduce us to these grasses vital to the life of the meadow — not only ecologically, but also in the way they shape how we see and experience these landscapes.

Grasses – Family Group Poaceae by Moira Leitch

As a Conservation Ecology student learning about taxonomy, I was asked to identify species of flora from the same family group and describe their key features. I chose grasses and would like to explore more around calcareous grassland restoration as my studies develop.

Although this study was not habitat specific, I focussed in on calcareous grassland and discovered a varied and stunning group of plants that often get overlooked in the shadow of wildflowers but provide food and shelter for a wide range of insects, birds and mammals.

Here are some photographs of five of the species that I discovered:

(It is illegal to pick wildflowers without the landowner’s permission, and some plants are protected by law)

Sweet Vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Another perennial early flowering grass which grows in loose tufts. This species releases the classic “cut grass” smell when the stem is damaged.

Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus)

Beautiful flowering heads of deep pink that fade into white, resembling candy floss. With soft leaves and stems and pink/white stripes at the base often referred to as “stripy pyjamas.”

Quaking grass (Briza media)

Tiny but oh so full of character. With heart shaped flowers that deepen into a purple colour which dance and shake in the breeze.

Crested Dog’s-tail grass (Cynosurus cristatus)

A very distinctive grass with its flowers stalk unusually growing on one side of the plant, the other side being flat. It is an erect plant with leaves that grow out at 90 degrees near the ground and 45 degrees where emerging from further up the stem. I love the wavy form of the flower stalk.

Meadow Foxtail grass (Alopercurus pratensis)

One of the first grasses to come into flower. With a flowering head that resembles a brush (like a fox’s bushy tail) from which burst out delicate flowers making the fox’s tail resemble more of a feather duster to my mind. Not to be mistaken for Timothy grass which emerges later on in the summer.

Grasses in my Paintings

Thank you so much to Mo for sharing her words and photos of these beautiful grasses. Grasses form the quiet structure of a meadow — the threads that everything else depends upon. In my paintings too, they are ever-present: shaping movement, carrying light, and holding space for the flowers to shine.

Below, I’ve shared a selection of recent works where meadow grasses play an important role, woven through colour and texture to reflect the living balance of these landscapes.

Conclusion

Grasses are just the beginning. Explore more blog posts about meadows and wildflowers, and subscribe to my newsletter to receive monthly updates about new posts and paintings.

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