Briza maxima aka Greater Quaking Grass

Briza maxima is an ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. Its names include great quaking grass and pearl grass. Its native range runs from Macaronesia to the Mediterranean. It now grows beyond that range in temperate regions. Kew lists it as an annual. NC State also allows for a short-lived perennial habit. The RHS describes it as perennial, so sources differ on lifespan.

Plants grow upright and form dense tufts of green leaves. The RHS gives a garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its shorter description puts the height near 2 feet [0.6 metre]. Spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metre]. Growth is fast, and several stems rise from each tuft. The flat, narrow leaves give the plant a fine texture. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern and have no hairs. The foliage can turn gold or yellow in autumn. The RHS lists the leaves as deciduous.

Flower heads appear in spring and summer. The small flowers themselves do not draw much attention. Instead, broad, flat spikelets hang from thin branches in loose panicles. Each spikelet has an oval outline and overlapping, scale-like parts. Their shades include pale yellow, green, tan, and copper-brown. The heads last well and suit dried flower work. NC State identifies the fruit as a caryopsis. The leaves also have value for cut and dried arrangements.

Grow this grass in full sun with soil that drains well. The RHS favours fertile ground, but NC State notes poor-soil tolerance. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all fall within its stated range. Moist soil is suitable when excess water can drain away. Sow seed where it will grow in spring or autumn. The RHS says it needs no pruning and rates care as easy. It lists UK hardiness as H6; NC State lists USDA zones 2–6.

This grass suits flower beds, cottage gardens, and informal planting. It also fits city gardens and courtyard spaces. Planting in groups shows its tufted form and loose heads. Both horticultural sources report few pest or disease problems. NC State also describes it as fire resistant. However, it identifies the species as invasive in California. That regional warning matters when weighing its garden use. The supplied sources give no clear evidence about edibility or toxicity.