Pan-American Balsamscale (Elionurus tripsacoides)

Description: A slowly growing handsome perennial clump grass, with erect leaves, to 3-4 ft tall in flower.

Natural Habitat:  Pinelands and open areas.

Planting and Care:  Once established, does well without supplemental water.  Grows and flowers best in sunny areas.  Dry flower spikes are attractive and persistent but can be trimmed back.

Pros:   A well-behaved large and handsome clump grass, excellent for mixed gardens and restorations, but can be used in more formal beds also, where it benefits from periodic removal of dried leaves or trimming.  

Cons:  Can take a year or two to reach maximal height, after which it expands outwards slowly.