Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Greater Quaking Grass
Greater quaking grass is an annual Mediterranean grass grown for its dangling, heart-shaped spikelets that tremble on hair-fine stems at the slightest breath of air. Florists love it as an airy, animated filler that adds movement and a cottage-garden softness to bouquets fresh, and a papery, straw-gold texture once dried. The nodding lockets start green and mature to warm bronze, reading beautifully in loose, naturalistic and boho designs. It is inexpensive, easy to handle and dries to last for years, making it a workhorse of rustic and dried arrangements.
| Family | Poaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Peak season | June, July |
| Availability | June, July, August, September, October |
| Stem length | 30–50 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | green, cream, bronze, brown |
| Price tier | budget |
Cut stems on a slant and give a few hours' deep drink in cool water before arranging; strip any lower leaves below the waterline. Quaking grass is undemanding fresh but truly shines dried — harvest just as the papery lockets colour up, bundle loosely and hang upside down in a dark, airy spot for one to two weeks. Once dried it needs no water and lasts for years; keep it out of humidity, which softens the spikelets.
- •Cut stems at an angle
- •Strip leaves below the waterline
- •Give a long cool drink before arranging
- •To dry, hang upside down in a dark, airy place
- •Keep dried stems away from damp
- •Handle brittle spikelets gently
Frequently asked questions
When is Greater Quaking Grass in season?
Greater Quaking Grass peaks in June, July, and florists can usually source it June, July, August, September, October. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Greater Quaking Grass last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Greater Quaking Grass?
Good substitutes for Greater Quaking Grass include Lagurus (bunny tail grass), Feather Grass, Wheat. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Greater Quaking Grass symbolise?
Greater Quaking Grass is associated with movement, lightness, resilience, playfulness.
How do you care for cut Greater Quaking Grass?
Cut stems at an angle
