plume grass
Noun: 1. A type of tall grass: A common name for several species of tall, perennial grasses, typically from the genus Erianthus (now often included in Saccharum), characterized by large, feathery, plume-like flower panicles. 2. A descriptive botanical term: Any grass with a showy, feathery inflorescence that resembles a plume.
The term "plume grass" is used as a countable noun to refer to the plant itself. It is often used in botanical, horticultural, and ecological contexts. * The prairie was dotted with tall plume grass swaying in the wind. * Several species of plume grass are native to this region. * We planted plume grass along the border for its dramatic autumn display.
- As a mass noun: When referring to the grass as a collective or as a landscaping material.
- The field was full of plume grass.
- In compound descriptive terms: Used with other words to specify location or type, though these are not the target phrase itself.
- The plume grass along the riverbank provides important habitat.
- Genus Erianthus: The genus to which many plume grasses belong. Also known as "sugar cane relatives."
- Feather grass: A common name for grasses in the genus or , which also have feathery inflorescences but are typically smaller than classic plume grasses.
- Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana): A very large, showy ornamental grass with dramatic plumes, often confused with or colloquially called plume grass.
- Feathertop grass
- Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae): A specific and commonly cultivated species of plume grass.
- Silver banner grass
The primary meaning focuses on the visual characteristic—the large, soft, feathery seed head (the plume)—rather than a single precise botanical classification. Therefore, the term can be applied somewhat loosely to different tall grasses sharing this striking feature.
-
a reedlike grass of the genus Erianthus having large plumes
