Briza maxima

(c) Murat Kurtel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Murat Kurtel via iNaturalist

Species

Big Quakinggrass

Briza maxima

Big Quakinggrass is a graceful perennial grass known for its distinctive pendulous flower spikes and ecological importance.

Also known as: Big Quakinggrass

Briza maxima, commonly known as Big Quakinggrass, is a perennial grass native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in a variety of habitats including meadows, grasslands, and disturbed areas. This species typically reaches a height of 30 to 80 centimeters and exhibits a graceful, arching growth habit, with slender stems that sway gently in the breeze, giving rise to its common name. The leaves are narrow and linear, often with a soft texture, while the inflorescences are distinctive, featuring elongated panicles that bear small, pendulous spikelets, which are particularly attractive to various pollinators. The seeds are small and easily dispersed by wind, contributing to its ecological role in grassland ecosystems where it provides food for wildlife and helps stabilize soil with its fibrous root system.

Care Guide

🌱 Hardiness Zone
Zone 5–9
🪨 Soil
Well-draining, loamy to sandy
☀️ Light
Full sun to partial shade
💧 Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
🌿 Fertilization
Light fertilization in spring is beneficial.

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Browse This Plant's Classification

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Magnoliophyta
Class Liliopsida
Order Cyperales
Family Poaceae
Genus Briza
Species Briza maxima