Pappophorum vaginatum, commonly known as Whiplash Pappusgrass, is a perennial grass that is native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico and South America. It is found in arid and semi-arid regions, often found in grasslands and open areas where it is adapted to dry, well-drained soils. It typically grows up to a meter tall, with leaves that can reach 20 to 30 centimeters in length and tend to curl when dry. The inflorescence is a narrowed panicle that is whitish or tawny, occasionally showing a purple tinge, and it blooms under the stress of hot, dry conditions, which is typical of its native habitat.

Whiplash Pappusgrass is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. It thrives in full sun and requires low amounts of water, making it suitable for arid gardens and restoration projects. Its ability to grow in poor soils with minimal care makes it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and erosion control. However, gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can self-seed and become somewhat invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0