Ravennagrass

(Saccharum ravennae)

Ravennagrass (Saccharum ravennae)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Saccharum ravennae image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Saccharum ravennae, commonly known as Ravennagrass or Hardy Pampas Grass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands, grasslands, and along riverbanks in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean to Western Asia. It forms large, dense clumps from a network of rhizomes and can reach heights of up to 13 feet (4 meters). The leaves are long, narrow, and serrated, measuring up to 1 meter in length. Its inflorescence is a striking plume-like panicle of spikelets, covered in white or pale-colored silky hairs, which bloom in late summer to early fall and are highly ornamental.

Ravennagrass is valued for its dramatic height, showy plumes, and ability to stabilize soil, making it a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens, as well as for erosion control. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from well-drained to those with slower drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it can tolerate some drought once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as Saccharum ravennae can be invasive outside its native range, particularly in regions like California, and should be planted with care to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 9-12 feet
  • Width: 4-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

native to open woodlands, grasslands, and along riverbanks in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean to Western Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Elephant Grass , Northern Pampas Grass , Plume Grass , Hardy Pampas Grass , Ravenna Grass , Italian Sugarcane , Sockergräs , Ranenna Grass

Scientific Names: Saccharum ravennae , Erianthus ravennae , Tripidium ravennae , Erianthus parviflorus , Tripidium ravennae subsp. parviflorum , Andropogon ravennae , Erianthus ravennae var. purpurascens , Agrostis ravennae , Erianthus elephantinus , Ripidium ravennae

GBIF Accepted Name: Saccharum ravennae (L.) L.