A native ornamental grass known as sugarcane in the Poaceae family and is found naturally in marshes and ditches. Tolerates air pollution and being planted near black walnut trees. Can grow 15'-20' tall in tropical areas but typically grow to 8' outside the tropics. Has large arching leaf blades with sharp edges. Can be planted as a specimen or in large groups. This plant is best in meadows and other natural areas. Long, narrow, alternate leaves are located mostly on the lower stem; long white hairs are present at the base of the leaves. Golden plumes appear in fall at the top of tall, erect stems. Seasons of Interest: Bloom: Fall; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall/Winter
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Golden plumes appear in fall at the top of tall, erect stems. Flowers bloom September-October.
Bloom time
Fall
Fruit type
Caryopsis
Fruit detail
Fruits are available November-December.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Wildlife value
This is a larval host plant that supports various skipper larvae and Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) which have one brood from late May to October. Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. Provides cover year round. Seeds eaten sparingly by songbirds.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds