Scientific Name

Briza maxima L.

Common Name(s)

Rattlesnake grass, big quaking grass, great quaking grass, greater quaking-grass, large quaking grass, blowfly grass, shelly grass

Tribe / Family Name

Poeae

Flowering Period

March to May

Symbol

BRMA

Description

Rattlesnake grass is an introduced, cool-season, winter annual bunchgrass. Culms range from 20-80 cm in height. Its inflorescence is a spreading to drooping panicle 35-100 mm long with pedicels 5-20 mm long. Spikelets are 10-20 mm long, hairy, and 4- to 12(15)-flowered. Ligules are 3-7 mm long and membranous. Blades are up to 2.5-20 cm long and 2-8 mm wide. 

General Info

Rattlesnake grass can be found growing along roadsides and banks, in rocky areas, open woodlands, and disturbed grasslands. 

Similar Species

Rattlesnake grass is often confused with rattlesnake brome (Bromus briziformis). 

Similar Species Links