Imperata brevifolia, commonly known as California Satintail, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands, grasslands, and sometimes riparian zones in the Southwestern USA and Mexico. It forms dense tufts from a hard rhizome and can reach heights of approximately 1.5 meters. The flat, linear leaves measure up to 50 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters wide. The inflorescence is a striking, narrow, cylindrical white plume ranging from 10 to 30 centimeters long, densely packed with silky white hairs and interspersed with dark speckles—the orange-brown anthers and purplish-brown stigmas of the spikelets. Flowering occurs from late summer to fall, and the plumes are quite showy, making it an attractive ornamental grass.

California Satintail is valued for its unique, fluffy inflorescences which add texture and interest to garden landscapes. It is often used in ornamental plantings, borders, and as a focal point in garden designs. This grass thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium to high water conditions, adapting well to soils with medium drainage. While it is relatively low maintenance, it is important to be aware of its potential to spread, as it can be invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting to prevent ecological disruption.CC BY-SA 4.0