How to Grow Quaking Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Quaking Grass
Briza media
grassQuaking grass is a delicate ornamental grass known for its distinctive heart-shaped spikelets that tremble and quake in the slightest breeze, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Native to Europe and temperate Asia, it reaches 12-24 inches tall and produces airy, fountain-like foliage. It's prized in gardens for dried arrangements, borders, and meadow plantings.
When should you plant Quaking Grass in your zone?
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Example Quaking Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Quaking Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Quaking Grass
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Quaking Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler climates
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Get my Quaking Grass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with thin, hair-like leaves. Growth is slow initially.
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksClumps expand with fine, slender green foliage forming dense tufts. Plants develop deeper root systems.
Water during dry periods. Remove any dead foliage. Reduce watering once established to encourage drought tolerance.
Flowering/Inflorescence
4-6 weeks of peak floweringDelicate panicles with heart-shaped, paper-thin spikelets emerge on thin, wiry stems above the foliage, reaching 12-24 inches tall.
Do not fertilize heavily; this promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Allow spikelets to develop fully for quaking effect.
Seed Set & Maturation
3-4 weeksSpikelets turn light tan or purplish-brown and become papery. The entire structure becomes very light and mobile in the breeze.
Leave standing for visual interest and self-seeding. Harvest for dried arrangements when fully mature but still on the stem.
Dormancy
4-5 monthsFoliage yellows and browns in late fall/winter. The plant enters dormancy but remains ornamental as dried material.
Cut back old foliage in early spring (late February to March). Do not cut back in fall as dead stems provide winter interest and protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Remove infected foliage. Fungicide spray if severe.
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Improve soil drainage; reduce watering. Plant in raised beds if drainage is poor. Remove severely affected plants.
Uses
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftQuaking grass is highly valued in dried floral design and wreaths. The trembling spikelets add movement and texture to arrangements that can last for months. [source]
Garden Ornament & Visual Interest
HouseholdThe distinctive quaking motion of spikelets in even light breezes creates dynamic, eye-catching movement in borders and meadow gardens. It adds an ethereal, cottage garden aesthetic. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeThe fine foliage and seed heads provide habitat and food for beneficial insects and songbirds, supporting biodiversity in gardens. [source]
Edible Seeds
CulinaryHistorically used as a grain in some cultures, though not common in modern cuisine. Seeds are small and require significant processing for culinary use. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest spikelets for dried arrangements when they turn light tan/brown but before they shatter, typically mid-summer through early fall. Cut stems mid-morning after dew dries. Hang upside-down in a warm, airy location for 1-2 weeks. Handle gently as spikelets are delicate. Leave some stems on the plant for self-seeding and winter interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The trembling of Briza spikelets is caused by a specialized joint (pulvinus) at the base of each spikelet that allows it to oscillate freely with minimal air movement—even a gentle breath can make them quake.
- 🌱 Quaking grass has been used in traditional European folk medicine as a mild diuretic and was historically included in herbal tea blends.
- 🌱 The plant naturalizes readily in suitable conditions and can self-seed prolifically, making it excellent for meadow gardening and permaculture plantings.
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