Definition

Noun: * A tall, perennial grass (Saccharum ravennae, formerly Erianthus ravennae) often cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is characterized by its long leaves with prominent white midribs and its large, feathery, plume-like flower panicles that resemble those of pampas grass.

Usage

This term is used specifically to refer to this species of ornamental grass. It is a proper noun when used as part of the common name "Ravenna grass" but can also be written in lowercase. * The landscape designer recommended planting Ravenna grass to add height and texture to the back of the border. * In autumn, the plumes of ravenna grass turn a silvery-white and persist through the winter.

Advanced Usage

• The plant is valued for its architectural form, drought tolerance, and ability to provide winter interest in gardens.
• In some regions, it is considered an invasive species due to its vigorous growth and self-seeding habit.

Variants and Related Words

• Hardy pampas grass: A common alternative name, highlighting its resemblance to and greater cold tolerance than true pampas grass ().
• Plume grass: A general descriptive name sometimes applied to it.
• Saccharum ravennae: The current botanical (Latin) name.
• Erianthus ravennae: A former botanical name still used in some horticultural contexts.

Synonyms

• Hardy pampas grass
• (Less precisely) Ornamental grass, plume grass

Related Terms

• Pampas grass (): A similar-looking but typically less cold-hardy ornamental grass, often confused with Ravenna grass.
• Panicle: The type of large, branched flower cluster produced by this grass.
• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years.

Noun

1. grass often cultivated for its long white-ribbed leaves and large plumes resembling those of pampas grass