Ravenna Grass

Ravenna grass is a large, clump-forming perennial grown for its high summer plumes and strong architectural shape. The feathery flower heads and foliage remain useful into winter, while the mature clump can serve as a specimen or seasonal screen. ## Form and season Plants form upright, coarse-textured foliage, with plumes rising well above the leaves in late summer. Published mature sizes vary: North Carolina State Extension lists 6–20 feet in height and 4–6 feet wide, while other regional references describe flowering plants around 9–14 feet tall. The recorded catalog dimensions fit within those reported ranges. The botanical name Tripidium ravennae is used by some references; Erianthus ravennae remains a widely used synonym and is retained here. ## Siting and care Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, the grass tolerates drier conditions; excessively rich or wet soil can produce floppy growth that may need support. Its size suits an open site where the leaves will not crowd paths or smaller plants. ## Maintenance Wear gloves when handling the sharp-edged leaves. Cut the old clump back near ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The plant can self-seed in favorable conditions, so remove unwanted seedlings. See the [NC State Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tripidium-ravennae/common-name/ravenna-grass/) and [University of Tennessee ornamental-grass guide](https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2023/10/PB1626.pdf).