SafePlants

Briza media: Perennial Quaking Grass

Briza media, commonly known as Perennial Quaking Grass, is a delightful and popular ornamental grass valued for its delicate, swaying seedheads.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has wiry stems that may be of interest to some pets.
• The grass produces papery flowers that sway and quake in the slightest breeze.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has wiry stems that may be of interest to some children.
• The grass produces papery flowers that sway and quake in the slightest breeze.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Briza media L.
• Common Names: Perennial Quaking Grass, Cow-quake, Didder, Rattlesnake Grass, Doddering Dillies
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonym: Poa media (L.) Cav.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia.
• Relatively common in parts of northeastern North America, where it has become naturalized.
• Also naturalized in New Zealand.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial grass forming dense tufts.
• Low to medium habit, typically growing 12-18 inches tall.
• Short clumps of deep-green leaves.
• Wiry, upright stems.
• Wide branched head of hanging, papery flowers that sway in the breeze.
• Small heart-shaped greenish-purple spikes (florets) that mature from May onwards.
• Seedheads are described as glossy and resembling rattlesnake rattles.
• Plants perennial ligules about 0.5 mm long sheaths open for about 1/2 their length.

Ecological Role

• Mentioned as an exotic species in the US.
• Quaking Grass is often associated with highly degraded areas.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Quaking Grass" refers to the way the flower heads tremble or "quake" in even the slightest breeze.
• Seedheads glow when backlit and rustle in the wind.

Cultivation

• Hardy perennial grass.
• Prefers partial to full sun.
• Grows well in richer soil than most grasses.
• Easy to grow and dependable.
• Can be used as a single specimen or as a foreground plant.
• Forms dense clumps.
• Zones 4-8

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Briza maxima at RHS
• USDA PLANTS Database: Symbol BRME
• Monrovia: Information on Monrovia plants and best practices.