Best Grasses & Bamboo to Grow in Alaska
Alaska spans USDA Zones 1–8, typically Zone 3. We've broken out 37 grass varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
37
for Alaska
USDA
Zones 1–8
55–240 days season
Beginner
18
easy to grow
Heirloom
14
heritage varieties
Alaska in USDA Zones 1–8
Alaska spans Zones 1–8. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Grasses & Bamboo in Alaska
Zone 3 presents unique challenges for grass cultivation, with winter temperatures plummeting to -40°F and a compressed growing season that demands careful variety selection. The key to success lies in choosing grasses that can establish quickly in late spring and build sufficient root systems before the September freeze. Cold-hardy perennial grasses like Little Bluestem, Blue Fescue, and Fine Fescue are your best allies here, as they've evolved to thrive in harsh northern climates and actually benefit from the temperature swings that define this zone.
While Zone 3's short season eliminates warm-season favorites like Bermuda and St. Augustine grass, it opens opportunities for stunning cool-season ornamentals that struggle in warmer regions. Northern Sea Oats and Blue Oat Grass perform exceptionally well here, providing architectural interest while tolerating both drought and extreme cold. The secret is focusing on native and near-native species that view your 'challenging' climate as home sweet home.
Zone 3 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska★ Most of AK
18 varieties · Last frost May 15 · 120-day season
Zone 2 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
7 varieties · Last frost June 1 · 85-day season
Zone 4 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
21 varieties · Last frost May 10 · 135-day season
Zone 1 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
4 varieties · Last frost June 15 · 55-day season
Zone 5 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
29 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 6 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
31 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 7 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
32 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 8 Grasses & Bamboo for Alaska
33 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 3 Growing Tips for Alaska
Timing is everything in Zone 3 – start cool-season grass seeds in late April to early May, about 2-3 weeks before your last frost date, as soil temperatures reach 45-50°F. The ground may still be partially frozen, but cool-season grasses actually prefer germinating in these cooler conditions. For ornamental varieties like Fountain Grass or Japanese Forest Grass, wait until after May 15 to avoid transplant shock from unexpected late freezes.
Fall planting requires precision timing – aim for late August to early September, giving new grass 6-8 weeks to establish before first frost. This narrow window is crucial because seedlings need time to develop cold-hardy root systems. Consider season extension techniques like row covers or cold frames for tender ornamentals, and always mulch heavily before winter. The key challenge in Zone 3 isn't just the cold – it's the rapid temperature swings that can heave poorly established plants right out of the ground.