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Briza spp.

quaking grass

Poaceae

Europe, North Africa, and western Asia

Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Briza spp. is a genus of about 20 species of annual and perennial grasses (Poaceae) native to Europe, North Africa, western Asia, and parts of temperate South America, known as quaking or rattlesnake grasses. Plants form slender clumps of flat green leaves and rise 8 to 36 inches (20 to 90 cm) tall, depending on species. The flower heads are open, airy panicles carrying flattened, heart- to locket-shaped spikelets that dangle from thread-like stalks and tremble in the slightest breeze. The spikelets are green, often flushed purple, ripening to pale straw. Perennial B. media forms long-lived tufts, while annuals such as B. maxima and B. minor complete their cycle in a season and self-seed freely. Briza spp. grows in open grassland, meadows, and dry banks on a wide range of soils, favouring sunny, well-drained sites. The dried seed heads hold their shape and are cut for arrangements. In rich, moist soils plants may flop and self-sow to the point of becoming weedy.

Native Range

Briza spp. is native to Europe, North Africa, western Asia, and parts of temperate South America, growing in meadows, grassland, and open, rocky slopes. Several species have naturalised well beyond this range, including in North America and Australia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in meadow and prairie-style plantings, gravel gardens, and the front of sunny borders, and cut fresh or dried for arrangements. The trembling seed heads add movement among broader-leaved perennials. Spacing of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) gives a soft, massed effect.

How to Identify

Identify Briza spp. by its open panicles of flattened, heart- or locket-shaped spikelets that hang from very slender stalks and shake in the wind. The spikelets are tightly packed with overlapping scales, giving a layered, papery look, green to purple before fading to straw. This nodding, trembling seed head sets it apart from most other grasses.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 3'

Width/Spread6" - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from late spring into summer, mainly May to July, with the dangling spikelets persisting for many weeks as they ripen. Pollination is by wind. The dried heads remain decorative on the plant into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

green to straw, often purple-tinged

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Briza spp. grows in full sun on light, well-drained soils of low to moderate fertility, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Lean, dry conditions keep the clumps upright, while rich, moist soils encourage soft growth that flops. Established plants tolerate drought and need little water once settled. Annual species are raised from seed sown in spring and self-sow afterwards; perennial B. media is sown or divided. Removing seed heads before they ripen curbs unwanted self-seeding.

Pruning

Cut perennial clumps back to near ground level in late winter before fresh growth starts. Shear or pull annual plants once they finish, ideally before seed sheds if spread is unwanted. Seed heads can be cut earlier for drying.