Ravenna grass

Ravenna grass is very large, with the foliage growing 4 to 5 feet tall. When the flower stalks expand, the plant may reach heights between 8 and 12 feet. The foliage is arching, while the flower stalks more upright. Due to the large size of this plant, care should be taken when siting it in a landscape. This is a warm season, clumping grass.

Leaf: Leaves are 1/2 to 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 feet long. They are gray-green in summer. In fall, the leaves will be tinged with shades of orange, purple, and tan before turning brown for winter.

Flower: Flowering occurs in late summer, usually in August and September. The tiny flowers are silvery white to beige and often tinged with purple. They are held in plume-like clusters. The flowers are wind pollinated.

Fruit: The small fruit (caryopsis or grains) form along the plume-like cluster that held the flowers. At maturity, the fruit have a cream color and a fluffy appearance. They persist into winter.