Family: Poaceae Genus: Briza  

Species: Briza maxima L.

Common Name(s): greater quaking grass, big quaking grass, blowfly grass; (Spanish) lágrimas, corazoncillo, bailarina; (Galician) tremedeira

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Briza maxima, commonly known as greater quaking grass, is a perennial grass native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe and North Africa. Greater quaking grass is typically found in grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, and disturbed areas, and can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, as long as it is well-drained. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate moderate drought conditions. The flowers of greater quaking grass are small and delicate, resembling tiny heart-shaped structures, known as spikelets. These spikelets have a unique quivering or quaking motion in the breeze, lending to the common name “quaking grass.”282, 283  

Gastronomy

While technically edible, the seeds of greater quaking grass are quite small, and extracting them from the flower head might be impractical for large-scale consumption.

Horticulture, Ornamental, and Other Colorful Uses

The delicate appearance and gentle movements of greater quaking grass make it a popular ornamental grass and a popular choice for floral arrangements.

Ecology

The plant’s foliage provides shelter and nesting material for insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, and habitat for birds. Dense clumps of greater quaking grass can help prevent erosion, particularly in areas prone to soil disturbance or runoff. The quivering motion of its flowers may aid in seed dispersal by helping to dislodge seeds from the plant.284, 285