Silver Grass grows in large expanding clumps and produces nearly white inflorescences in late summer. It is a popular perennial grass for landscaping.
Seed collection is easy. Observe the stem below the inflorescence (seed head). When it has become light brown and is brittle you may easily snap the seed head from the plant. Place it on an open plate and allow it to dry for a few days. To strip the seeds from the tassels grasp a single tassel strand at its exterior end and with your other hand clasp the seeds between the nails of your thumb and forefinger. Strip the seeds off in a downwards motion. It takes some practice to use enough pressure to strip the seeds without snapping the tassel strand.
Allow the seeds to dry for a few more days before packing. There will be fluffy chaff attached to the small seeds. Seeds are traded with the chaff, sowing instructions should include to pat the entire contents firmly down into moist soil.
by Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist
Department of Horticultural Science
Horticulture on the Internet
North Carolina State University
by Greg Stack, Extension Educator ~ Horticulture
Urban Programs Resource Network
University of Illionois Extension
by M. Hockenberry Meyer
FactSheet BU-6411
Department of Horticulture Science
Univeristy of Minnesota Extension Service
Considerations for Selection and Use of Ornamental Grasses
by Mack Thetford, Associate Professor ~ Environmental Horticulutre Department
FactSheet No. ENH 976
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension
University of Florida
by C. R. Wilson, Horticultural Agent
FactSheet No. 7.232
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
by G.O. Hoffman, J. Daniel Rogers, R.J. Ragsdale, Roy V. Miller
Texas Natural Resource Server
Texas Cooperative Extension
Texas A&M University System