It looks like Japanese Forest grass.

A low-growing species with a perfect mounding habit. Variegated selections (such as 'Aureola' or 'All Gold') bear brightly colored foliage that light up shady corners.

Name: Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

I don't think it's Hakonechloa. Hakone grass has fairly insignificant flowers:

Hi there, nope, that's not it, it definitely has a very obvious flower that this plant doesn't have. Can someone else please help?

It looks a bit like Nassella tenuissima, but not enough for me to be convinced.

I was thinking Nassella tenuissima as well though it is not supposed to be hardy in that zone. Mine seeds just like that though it doesn't lay flat like that.

hordium jubatum

Excellent! I do believe kicker's got it pegged. It's a beautiful grass which apparently grows through the winter. Considered a weed in many circles, it looks like a nice one to try out.

Megan, if you can manage some seeds from your plants, I'd love to trade for some.

Awesome! Thank you so much. What's amusing is this ID is for a friend, who saw the plants somewhere landscaped, but I seriously thought I have been noticing this same plant driving home along a road to my house (in the "country") every night since they asked me what it was! With the ID it really makes sense.

donn_ - I'll go grab some seed heads, do I need to wait until they are drier? or can I grab them now when they're still fluffy-like? :) forgive the ignorant question. Thanks for the help kicker!!

I'm not sure with this one, because I haven't grown it, but in general, the seed is ripe when the stalk behind the seed head is brown, and the seeds drop right off when shaken into a paper bag or bowl.