Briza maxima
big quaking grass
Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa, western Asia)
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Briza maxima is big quaking grass (greater quaking grass), a cool-season annual growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide. Pendant heart-shaped to ovate spikelets 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) on thin wiry pedicels that quake (tremble) in the slightest breeze from late spring to summer (May-July). The spikelets mature from green to golden-tan. In the grass family (Poaceae spp.). The genus name Briza spp. derives from the Greek brizein spp. (to nod or droop). The largest-spikeleted species in the genus: B. maxima spikelets 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) vs. B. media at 0.15-0.25 inch (4-6 mm). A popular dried flower — the spikelets retain shape and color when dried. Direct-sow in fall or early spring — resents transplanting. Self-seeds freely on well-drained soil. Naturalized in California and parts of the Pacific coast. Light green flat foliage. Tolerates alkaline soil (pH to 8.0). Cool-season annual: grows in spring, flowers in late spring, sets seed and dies by midsummer. Non-toxic. Drought-tolerant. Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa, western Asia). Naturalized in California and parts of the Pacific coast.Suggested Uses
Direct-sown in cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and meadow plantings. The pendant quaking spikelets for fresh and dried arrangements. Self-seeds. Naturalized in California. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green maturing to golden-tan; pendant heart-shaped to ovate spikelets 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long on thin wiry pedicels — the spikelets quake (tremble) in the slightest breezeFoliage Description
Light green, flat, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained soil. Direct-sow in fall or early spring (resents transplanting). Tolerates alkaline soil. Cool-season annual — dies by midsummer. Self-seeds. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest spikelets for drying before they shatter (July-August). Allow some to self-seed. The annual plant dies after seed set — remove dead plants.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
early spring after last frost
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches