Bent Arm Plumegrass
(Saccharum brevibarbe)
Bent Arm Plumegrass (Saccharum brevibarbe)
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By cwarneke no rights reserved
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By cwarneke no rights reserved
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Photo by: By cwarneke no rights reserved | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: cwarneke | Publisher: iNaturalist |









Estimated Native Range
Summary
Saccharum brevibarbe, commonly known as Bent Arm Plumegrass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands, wet savannas, and marsh edges in the Southeastern USA. It typically grows to a height of 2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters) and a width of 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 meters), featuring a clumping form with tall, arching stems and feathery flower plumes that appear in late summer to fall. The flowers range from purplish to silver-white and are quite showy, making the grass a striking addition to naturalistic plantings.
Bent Arm Plumegrass is valued for its ornamental plumes, which add texture and movement to the garden. It is often used in meadow gardens, as a border plant, or for naturalized areas. This grass is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and part shade. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered undesirable in some settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bent Arm Plumegrass is valued for its ornamental plumes, which add texture and movement to the garden. It is often used in meadow gardens, as a border plant, or for naturalized areas. This grass is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and part shade. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered undesirable in some settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-6 feet
- Width: 1-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, wet savannas, and marsh edges
Other Names
Common Names: Shortbeard Plumegrass, Short-Beard Plume Grass
Scientific Names: , Saccharum brevibarbe, Erianthus brevibarbis, Saccharum brevibarbe var. brevibarbe, Calamagrostis rubra, Erianthus alopecuroides var. brevibarbis, Erianthus brevibarbis var. brevibarbis, Erianthus saccharoides var. brevibarbis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Saccharum brevibarbe (Michx.) Pers.