what is this plant...?

15 years ago

I have a plant by the fish pond that was planted a few years ago but I have no idea what it is. It survived the minus 9 degrees last winter here, grows about 18 inches tall in a big thick clump with 1/2 inch wide, long grass-like leaves & has pretty 'eyelash' like seed heads opening now on the top that sway in the breeze. Thought it was Harpochloa falx ('eyelash' or 'catapiller' grass) but that seems to have narrower leaves. The dogs love to chew on the leaves so I have to fence it in from them. Want to get divisions started from it but would like to know what to call it !! Am sorry I don't know a more appropriate site here to post this!

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Comments (6)

pondmaninal
15 years ago
Can you get a photo?
nkm56
15 years ago
Could it be lizard's tail?

Here is a link that might be useful: Lizard's Tail
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vieja_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
nancym1956: No, I just looked up lizard's tail & it has broad, roundish leaves? The plant I have has long,wide, grass-like leaves that come off of round, sturdy stems about 18 inches tall. The pretty flat seed heads before they develop/mature , look like 'eyelashes' but the leaves do not look like the other 'eyelash' plants I have 'Googled'; most of those have thinner grass like leaves or roundish. I must learn how to post photos !!

Thank you for your suggestion!
pikecoe
15 years ago
My first thought was Papyrus. Google that and see what you think.
vieja_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
saw papyrus pic... no,is not that unfortunately! I cut a stem w/lashes & dried it between pages of a large book so will try & get an ID from that before the 'lashes' turn to seed on the plant & drop! I have tried to make cuttings from the main plant to get more started as it is so lovely. Have to fence it in though as the dogs chew off the leaves like mad & eat them! The generic label just said: 'eyelash plant'... nothing else!

Thanks for trying to help!
vieja_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
I found it!!!

Saw a photo of this plant in a magazine & it sure looks like the plant I was wondering about the name...

it is Northern Sea Oats (chasmanthium latifoliun)!! For some reason the tag it came with mentioned 'eyelash plant' but my plant has wider grass-like leaves than an eyelash plant & the seeds are identical to the magazine photo I found!

Thanks everyone for your ideas! Just wanted to mention that I finally got the correct ID of this plant. Mentions the seeds germinate readily but I sure haven't found any seedlings around my plant but would loke to now get some more started for friends. As I may have mentioned, my dogs love to chew on the leaves so I have to fence it in!