Erianthus giganteus (Walter) P. Beauv.

Giant Plume Grass; Sugarcane Plume Grass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Giant Plume Grass is a native herbaceous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It occurs statewide in Alabama. Giant Plume Grass is one of six species of Saccharum native to Alabama, and is related to cultivated Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). This species is found in wetlands such as beaver ponds, river swamps, wet ditches, and sloughs. Giant Plume Grass is the largest of the Plume Grasses, often reaching a height of ten to twelve feet. It also has the largest panicle of any of the other native species. Each fruit (grain) has a long straight awn up to one inch in length. The ligule (a thin outgrowth between the sheath and blade of the leaf) is pubescent with long hairs. When in flower the panicle is narrow and pinkish. When the fruit mature the panicle is “fluffy” and tan in color. Giant Plume Grass can be grown in any wet spot receiving full sunlight. It is spectacular along the margins of a pond, and can be used as a specimen plant grown with other water-loving natives. It is available from some native plant nurseries, and a selection known as “Red Mountain” has very pink panicles when in flower. --A. Diamond

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Native

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