Also known as Big Quaking Grass · Blowfly Grass · Giant Quaking-Grass
Briza maxima, commonly known as Big Quakinggrass, is an ornamental annual grass featuring large, pendulous spikelets that sway gracefully in the breeze, adding texture an
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering. Can tolerate partial shade, but may become less vigorous.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during active growth. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures. Can withstand light frosts but is generally grown as an annual in colder climates.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Big Quakinggrass prefers consistently moist soil during its active growth phase, especially in warmer weather. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly in cooler periods and during dormancy to prevent root rot.
Pruning is primarily done after flowering to remove spent flower stalks and seed heads. This tidies the plant and prevents self-seeding if unwanted.
Cut back to the base of the plant once the foliage starts to yellow and die back naturally in late summer or autumn.
Briza maxima is easily propagated by seed. Sow seeds in early spring or autumn directly into well-draining soil.
Seeds germinate readily and can also be propagated by division of established clumps in spring, though this is less common.
Repotting is generally not necessary for Briza maxima as it is often grown as an annual or short-lived perennial. If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Big Quakinggrass (Briza maxima)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Briza |
| Species | Briza maxima |
Similar in genus Briza
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
