A backbone of evergreen structural plants can be softened by perennial grasses.

They are often large, annual or perennial grasses, growing to 13 m tall.

Grass and leguminous crops accounted for 61% of total organic farming in 2005, followed by perennial grasses at 26%.

Examples of apparent plants that produce generalized protections include long-living trees, shrubs, and perennial grasses.

These include perennial grasses, sedges, forbs, cushion plants, mosses, and lichens.