Briza maxima seeds grow into the great quaking grass — an annual grass native to the subtropical biome from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean. Described by Linnaeus (1753). The epithet maxima means 'greatest', referring to the large spikelets. Widely known by numerous common names: big quaking grass, great quaking grass, blowfly grass, rattlesnake grass, shell grass. Produces large, nodding, oval-heart-shaped, pendant spikelets that tremble and quake in the slightest breeze, producing a characteristic rattling sound. Medicine, food and environmental uses recorded. Widely cultivated as an ornamental grass and as a dried flower. Naturalised in the British Isles, Azores, Australasia, the Americas and Hawaii. Family Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae.Full sun; well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soils; warm subtropical Mediterranean conditions; annual — sow in spring. Excellent as an ornamental grass and for dried flower arrangements. 'Maxima' = greatest; large pendant quaking spikelets; Linnaeus (1753); rattling in the breeze Ornamental dried flower; medicine and food uses; naturalised in Americas, Australasia, Hawaii Macaronesia to Mediterranean — subtropical biome; annual ornamental grass Genus Briza ~30 species; Family Poaceae (Pooideae); quaking grasses Full sun; well-drained poor soils; warm subtropical; excellent dried; Family Poaceae Briza maxima is the great quaking grass — one of the most charming annual ornamental grasses of the Mediterranean, its large pendant spikelets trembling and rattling in the slightest breeze to produce one of the most distinctive movements of any grass, widely grown for both fresh and dried ornamental use worldwide. IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
