Grass, Cortaderia selloana

This ornamental grass boasts an impressive clumping habit with tall, arching foliage and showy, feathery plumes that bloom in late summer to fall in shades of creamy white. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11, it thrives in warm temperatures and full sun, making it ideal for temperate and subtropical gardens. Its foliage turns golden-brown in the fall, adding seasonal interest, and the plant is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained soils and can handle sandy or loamy textures. With a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and a spread of 3 to 6 feet, this grass provides vertical drama to landscapes. Highly deer-resistant, it requires minimal care and is perfect for naturalistic plantings, coastal gardens, or as a privacy screen. The plumes are also excellent for cut or dried flower arrangements.