Produces distinctive, silky pink to purple-tinged seed heads that resemble a squirrel’s tail or a fox’s brush.
As the seeds mature, the bristles fade to a silvery white, giving the grass a soft, glowing look in sunlight.
Provides cover and nesting material for small mammals and ground-nesting birds.
Seeds are eaten by birds and rodents, though the awns can be irritating to livestock and pets.
Highly valued as an ornamental grass in gardens for its shimmering, feathery seed heads.
Popular in dried flower arrangements for its pinkish-silver plumes.
Tough, drought-tolerant, and thrives in poor soils—making it a resilient choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Produces distinctive, silky pink to purple-tinged seed heads that resemble a squirrel’s tail or a fox’s brush.
As the seeds mature, the bristles fade to a silvery white, giving the grass a soft, glowing look in sunlight.
Provides cover and nesting material for small mammals and ground-nesting birds.
Seeds are eaten by birds and rodents, though the awns can be irritating to livestock and pets.
Highly valued as an ornamental grass in gardens for its shimmering, feathery seed heads.
Popular in dried flower arrangements for its pinkish-silver plumes.
Tough, drought-tolerant, and thrives in poor soils—making it a resilient choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: edges of marshes; gravelly areas along roads and railroads; mined lands; muddy borders along puddles; pastures; poorly drained fields; sterile waste areas; vacant lots with compacted soil
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to dry-mesic
Plant type (height): grass (1 to 2 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: gravelly; muddy
