Erianthus alopecuroides (L.) Elliott

Silver Plume Grass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Silver Plume Grass is a native herbaceous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Silver Plume Grass occurs in pine woodlands, in mixed pine/hardwood forest openings, along woodland edges, and along utility corridors. It usually occurs on xeric to mesic sites, unlike many other members of the genus that occur in wet areas. It is a perennial with a hardened base and short scaly rhizomes. Stems are 3-9 feet in height and unbranched. The stems are hollow and green or purplish in color. The stems are usually glabrous except just below the inflorescence. The leaves are basal and cauline. The stem leaves are alternate, linear in outline, scaberulous (slightly rough to the touch), with entire margins. The leaf sheath is glabrous. The ligule is ciliate. Flowers are produced in a terminal panicle. The peduncle is pubescent with appressed hairs. Spikelets occur in pairs. The spikelets have a long awn that is flattened at the base and spirally twisted. The spikelets are pubescent and the callus hairs (beard) exceed the length of the spikelet. The callus hairs are white or tawny in color. The fruit is a grain. Silver Plume Grass is sometimes available from native plant nurseries. It prefers a well-draining soil in full sun. Plants may require staking. Silver Plume Grass can be used as a screen or backdrop for other plantings, or as a specimen plant. The fruit provide interest from fall into winter. Plants should be cut back to ground level in late winter.--A. Diamond

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Native

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