Quaking grass Briza media
ABOUT
Briza media, commonly known as Quaking Grass due to its delicate and trembling grass-like flowers, is a perennial grass species that adds a unique texture to grassland landscapes. This grass is characterized by its fine, narrow leaves that form a tufted habit. During the flowering season, the plants produce airy, pendulous flowerheads composed of heart-shaped, pale green to purplish spikelets which hang loosely from slender stems. These spikelets quiver and shake even in the slightest breeze, giving the plant its charming common name. The overall impression of Quaking Grass is one of a delicate, elegant grass that sways gracefully and mimics the gentle flux of the wind. The color of the plant can vary, moving through shades of green, purple, and golden as the seasons change, adding a dynamic visual element to its surroundings. As the plant matures, the flowerheads can dry to a buff or light brown color, often retaining their appeal well into the winter months. Overall, the visual charm of Briza media lies in its movement and the subtle colors of its flowerheads, which provide a soft contrast to the more typical green hues of a grassy landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Quaking Grass, Cow Quake, Didder, Dithery Dock, Doddering Dillies, Doddering Grass, Dodder-grass, Earthquake Grass, Jiggling Jock, Lady's-hair, Maidenhair Grass, Pearl Grass, Quakers, Quaking-grass, Quicks, Quiver Grass, Shaking Grass, Totter Grass, Wag-wantons
Common names
Briza dactyloides, Briza ovata, Briza pumila, Festuca briza, Poa briza.
ToxicityTo humans
Quaking grass (Briza media) is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects from ingestion or contact with this plant, so it is generally considered safe. However, it's always advisable to exercise caution and not ingest plants unless they are known to be safe and are intended for human consumption.
To pets
Quaking grass (Briza media) is also not known to be toxic to pets. This grass species does not have a reputation for being poisonous to animals, and there are no common reports of toxic reactions in pets after ingesting this plant. As with humans, it's always best to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating unknown plants as a general safety precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purplish
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Briza media, commonly known as Quaking Grass, has a fibrous root system that helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant offers shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including insects and ground-nesting birds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Quaking Grass has attractive seed heads that quiver in the breeze, adding visual interest and movement to gardens and landscaped areas.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Briza media is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water environments.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care, this grass doesn't typically need fertilizing or mowing, making it an easy choice for many gardeners.
- Adaptable Growth: Quaking Grass can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as there is adequate drainage.
- Pasture Improvement: It can be part of a grass mix for pastures, where it provides a moderate nutritional value to grazing livestock.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant adds interest to the landscape throughout the seasons with changing foliage and seed head color.
- Reseeding: Briza media can self-seed, enabling natural propagation and extending its presence in a garden without additional planting.
- Cultural significance: Quaking Grass has been used in folk traditions and is often included in dried flower arrangements, representing both heritage crafts and local biodiversity.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Briza media has historically been considered to have diuretic properties, meaning it may promote the production of urine.
- Astringent: It is sometimes regarded to have astringent qualities which can help in toning the skin or reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Briza media, commonly known as Quaking grass, has been used in traditional basket weaving due to its durable and flexible stems.
- It serves as an ornamental addition to dried flower arrangements, maintaining its shape and color well after drying.
- Quaking grass is sometimes planted as part of a wildlife-friendly garden to provide habitat and food for birds who feed on its seeds.
- The seeds of Briza media have been used to feed small domestic animals like rabbits and hamsters as a natural food source.
- In landscaping, Quaking grass is utilized for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a good choice for erosion control on banks and slopes.
- During historical times, the seeds of Briza media were mixed with clay and used as a rudimentary form of pest control to keep rodents away from grain stores.
- Quaking grass has been incorporated into artistic works and natural crafts, such as eco-printing on fabric, due to its distinctive seed head shape.
- The plant has been used in educational settings to demonstrate wind pollination and seed dispersal mechanisms to students.
- Briza media has been involved in the practice of plant dyeing, where its parts contribute to creating subtle colors on natural fibers.
- Its role in traditional customs and folklore includes being used to decorate homes during festivals, symbolizing prosperity and peace.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Quaking Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Quaking Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Quivering Movement: Briza media, commonly known as Common Quaking Grass, is known for the delicate, heart-shaped florets that appear to shake or shiver in the wind. This characteristic symbolizes flexibility and adaptability to life's circumstances.
- Delicacy: The fine, slender stems and light, airy flower heads of Common Quaking Grass represent sensitivity and gentleness.
- Grace: As the grass moves with a graceful swaying motion, it symbolizes elegance and poise.
- Harmony with Nature: The way Common Quaking Grass harmonizes with its environment is emblematic of living in balance and embracing the natural flow of life.
- Peace and Tranquility: The soothing rustling sound made by the plant in the breeze conveys a sense of calmness and serenity.
WaterQuaking grass, the common name for Briza media, prefers to be watered moderately. Ensure the soil is slightly dry between waterings to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It is generally sufficient to water this plant once every week with approximately two to four ounces of water, depending on the environmental conditions and soil drainage. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first.
LightQuaking grass thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot would be one where it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight a day, while being protected from the intense midday sun. This ensures that it gets enough light to maintain its vibrant foliage and characteristic seed heads.
TemperatureQuaking grass prefers a temperate range of conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, surviving between 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for thriving growth would be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in colder conditions down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from extreme heat and frost.
PruningPruning Quaking grass is usually done to remove spent seed heads and to tidy up the plant. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It does not require frequent pruning; once a year should suffice. This helps maintain a neat appearance and encourages healthy, vigorous growth for the coming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilQuaking grass prefers a well-draining soil mix with loamy or sandy composition. The ideal pH for Briza media is neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingQuaking grass, or Briza media, does not commonly require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingBriza media, also known as Quaking grass, tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate to high humidity environments typical of outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Quaking grass near a window with bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant Quaking grass in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleBriza media, commonly known as Quaking Grass, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, gives rise to a small seedling. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, developing a clump of fine, narrow leaves and tillers. As it matures, the grass sends up characteristic flowering stems with loose, nodding panicles that bear the 'quaking' spikelets for which it is named. Following pollination, which is typically carried out by the wind, the flowers develop into seeds by late summer. These seeds fall to the ground and may germinate to begin a new life cycle or enter a period of dormancy until conditions are favorable. In autumn, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, with the grass re-emerging from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Briza media, commonly known as quaking grass, is often propagated by sowing seeds. The best time to propagate it by seed is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has begun to warm up. To propagate quaking grass, scatter the seeds over a well-draining soil mix, either in a pot or directly where you want it to grow in the garden. Barely cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, which is typically within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown strong enough to handle, thin them out or transplant them to give each plant enough space to grow. This simple and efficient method is ideal for expanding your collection of this ornamental grass or introducing it into your landscape.
