Little Quaking Rattlesnake Grass - Briza minor Seeds - Ornamental Grass - New

Briza is a genus of annual and perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, native to northern temperate regions. The group is generally referred to as the quaking grasses because the flowers and seed heads shake on their stalks in the slightest breeze. Some of its members are grown as ornamental plants. Briza species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora lixella. There is much disagreement among authorities regarding the taxonomic boundaries of this genus. As of 2008, there were approximately 19 species, but this is likely to change as species are moved into and out of the genus. Species in widespread cultivation include Briza maxima, the Great Quaking Grass, Briza media, The Common Quaking Grass and Briza minor, the Lesser Quaking Grass.

Ornamental Grass Briza minor “The Lesser Quaking Grass” has blue green leaves and flower heads that hang like scaly little heart shaped lockets that are tinged with pink from late spring to mid-summer. An easily-grown perennial, Briza minor prefers richer soil than most grasses and will tolerate semi shade well. It is very easy to grow to perfection. It is native to the Mediterranean Basin, and it is known elsewhere, including much of South Africa, as an introduced species. It is an annual grass producing narrow clumps of erect stems up to 50 centimeters tall. The inflorescence bears several small cone-shaped spikelets, each hanging on a pedicel. It makes a wonderful cut flower adding elegance and feeling to summer and winter decorations. Other common names include Fairy Bells, Little Fairy Bells, Little Quaking-grass, Quaking Grass, Shivery Grass, Small Quaking Grass, Bewertjies, Bewertjiesgras, Kleinbewertjies, Kleinklokkiesgras, Klokkiesgras and Trilgras.