Like most native warm-season grasses, it patiently waits for warm soil before waking up. Don't worry if it stays dormant a bit longer than your other plants—once the spring weather reliably warms, it grows rapidly to deliver beautiful, fresh foliage interest.

Summer brings the main event as the distinctive fused panicles burst into a bold, sorghum-like texture. Unlike other grasses that flop in heavy summer rain, these unique blooms are built for physical strength, keeping the tight, narrow form perfectly upright through summer storms.

Following summer flowering, the attractive seed heads and tight silhouette transition to warm golden tones.

Left standing through winter, this stormproof structure provides striking architectural interest, while the seed heads offer vital food and winter benefits for local wildlife.