Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) Briza maxima
Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) (Briza maxima) is an annual grass in the Poaceae family, native to Mediterranean region, North Africa and the Canary Islands. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) at a glance
| Type | Annual grass |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–14 weeks after planting, for 5–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean region, North Africa and the Canary Islands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇫🇷 France, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Invasive in | southern Australia (a bushland weed): check local rules before planting |
Is Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass)
- How far apart should I plant Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) flower?
- About 11–14 weeks after planting, for 5–7 weeks.
- Is Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Greater quaking grass (rattlesnake grass). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- A hardy annual: sow where it is to flower in autumn or early spring, thin the seedlings, and let some plants set seed.
- Plump, nodding spikelets like small hops that tremble in the lightest wind and dry to straw colour; a classic for dried bunches. Cut before the seed drops if it could reach wild land.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium