Quaking grass Briza media 'Limouzi'

Names

• Family

  Poaceae

• Synonyms

  Quaking Grass, Cow Quake, Doddering Dillies, Dithery Dock, Jiggle-joggles, Lady's Hair, Maidenhair Grass, Pearl Grass, Quakers, Quaking-grass, Rattlesnake Grass, Shaking Grass, Totter Grass, Wag-wantons

• Common names

  Briza media.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Quaking grass is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Briza media 'Limouzi' or any common variants of quaking grass pose a threat if ingested. As with any non-food plant, it is always possible for individuals to have an allergic reaction or experience gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume parts of the plant, but standard quaking grass is not known for being poisonous.

• To pets

  Quaking grass is not typically known to be toxic to pets, either. Briza media 'Limouzi', as a cultivar of quaking grass, is also not regarded as having toxic properties that would harm pets if they were to ingest it. However, as with any plant, individual animals might have sensitivity or allergic reactions, or could experience mild stomach upset if they eat a significant amount of the grass. It's always best to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any non-food plants, including quaking grass.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Briza media 'Limouzi', commonly known as Quaking Grass, has delicate, pendulous flower heads that add a unique texture and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: It is known for being easy to grow and requiring minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Quaking Grass is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Attracts Wildlife: The plant provides habitat and food for various insects, which in turn can attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.
• Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its airy flower heads that are particularly attractive when backlit by the sun.
• Ornamental Seeds: The seeds of Quaking Grass can be used in dried floral arrangements, adding longevity to its ornamental value beyond the growing season.
• Versatile Planting: This grass is suitable for planting in a range of garden styles, including prairie planting, naturalistic landscapes, and traditional flower borders.
• Soil Stabilization: Its roots help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion in certain garden situations.
• Adaptable Growth: Quaking Grass can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.

Medical Properties

• This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Quaking grass is often used in dried flower arrangements due to its unique shaking heads that add movement and texture to the display.
• In landscape design, Briza media 'Limouzi' can be planted en masse to create a meadow-like effect or used as a border plant for its whimsical appearance.
• The seeds of quaking grass are sometimes used in crafts, such as jewelry making, because of their interesting shape and aesthetic appeal.
• This grass can be included in a sensory garden as it has a tactile nature that responds to touch and wind, making it an interesting plant to experience.
• Briza media 'Limouzi' can be used in educational gardens to teach about the lifecycle of grasses and the structure of inflorescences.
• The gentle rustling sound of Briza media 'Limouzi' in the breeze can be used in gardens designed for sound therapy, providing calming and soothing auditory stimuli.
• Photographers sometimes use quaking grass as a subject or backdrop for close-up photography due to its delicate and intricate flowers.
• Quaking grass can be used in rituals or ceremonies as a symbol of humility and flexibility, akin to its movement in the wind.
• The plant can be included in habitat gardens, offering shelter for small insects and other invertebrates.
• Quaking grass can be incorporated into performance art or installations that explore concepts of movement and fragility in nature.

Feng Shui

The plant commonly known as Quaking Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Quaking Grass is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Peacefulness: Briza media, known as quaking grass, has delicate seed heads that trembly gently even in soft breezes, evoking a sense of calm and tranquillity.
• Flexibility: Due to its flexible stems that sway with the wind without breaking, quaking grass is often associated with adaptability and resilience.
• Grace: The elegant sway of its seed heads gives the quaking grass a gracefulness, symbolizing beauty and poise.