Saccharum ravennae is a tall clumping grass with a basal tuft of leaves and flowering stalks that reach heights of 8-12 ft. (2.4-3.7 m), towering over big bluestem and other plants and making them easily visible from a distance. The base of the clump can be several feet in diameter indicating a sizeable root mass.
Foliage
The basal tuft of leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs.
Flowers
Flowers are feathery, fan-shaped, terminal panicles. They are silvery to pink in color and up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) long. Flowering occurs September through October.
Fruit
Purplish spikelets are 0.12-0.24 in. (3-6 mm) long. They are spread by wind.
Ecological Threat
Saccharum ravennae has been observed spreading from plantings along roadsides and other disturbed edge habitats as well as in fields and other open sites. Control is difficult with the most effective method simply to physically remove the plants by pulling or digging them out. Saccharum ravennae is native to southern Europe and was introduced for ornamental purposes.