A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Ornamental Grasses Anyone know what kind of grass this is?

This grass's sturdy, strawlike stalk is topped with a beautiful, feathery blossom. I have seen similar grasses grow along seaside towns. I would like to know what family, genus, and species, as I would like to plant some. Any help appreciated. Thanks. You should see the grasses in the first two pics at the following URL:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankyguitarwatson/sets/72157620868895216/

That is Pampas Grass, aka, Cortaderia selloana. It comes in a pink or white bloom, the white being the most popular. You'll want to give it a lot of space because it can get really large.

Alan, thanks! I hadn't realized you'd responded almost immediately after my post - my email didn't notify me. I just found a pic of the species you mentioned and it matches perfectly to my photos. Pampas Grass produces a lot of seeds so I hope I have some, if not, I'll need to find them. I doubt it will grow from the stalk but I'm trying anyway.

Cheers to the home state of Doc Watson!
Thanks again.

My humblest apologies on saluting Alan incorrectly, I hadn't realized Alan was not from Doc's home state of North Carolina (he was born in Deep Gap and attended school in Raleigh) - I confused you with someone else who is from that state. Well, anyway, cheers to the home state of the song Tennessee stud!

I should also mention how sturdy the Pampas Grass stalks are, and they are even used as a food source by animals.