Briza triloba - Quake grass

Briza triloba is a lovely little lightweight grass whose drooping flowering spikes sway at the slightest breeze and enchant the ear with their whispers. It forms a dense tuft of bluish-green leaves, with a loose habit, reaching about 80 cm (32in) in height when flowering. Its pyramidal panicles are composed of heart-shaped spikes, which are a beautiful pearlescent green, turning straw yellow afterwards. A wonderful hardy perennial, tolerating difficult conditions, suitable for all gardens, from the wildest to the most contemporary! Also excellent as a dried bouquet.

Briza triloba, also known as Briza subaristata, is a creeping perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Poaceae family, like many grasses. Unlike Briza media, it is native to South America. This plant is particularly hardy and undemanding, producing small clumps of flat, rough, linear, bluish-green leaves, bordered by bristles. When mature, it will measure 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20in) in all directions. The rapidly growing foliage is evergreen. In June-July, branched flowers appear,  each carrying scaly spikes with a characteristic shape, resembling silver-green hearts.  At maturity, the spikes take on a straw blonde colour. The seeds are dispersed by the wind and ensure the species' longevity in gardens and in nature. 

Hardy to -20°C (1°F) in well-drained soil, Briza triloba is a perfect plant everywhere, thanks to its ease of cultivation and graceful flowers. This grass accompanies flowering and lightweight perennials and annuals, such as toadflaxes, penstemons, field daisies, damask flowers, cosmos, or annual poppies. The dark foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb', Cotinus 'Royal Purple', or Physocarpus 'Diabolo' in moister soil will enhance its dancing flowers.  Plant it along a pathway, in a rock garden, along a terrace, or in a large pot, grouping several plants together. This flower, which can be dyed, is essential in dried bouquets.