What is the language of Susuki (Japanese pampas grass)? Also learn about its history and trivia!
What are the flower meanings of pampas grass? Also introducing its history and trivia!
Pampas grass, with its beautiful appearance swaying in the autumn breeze.
It is an indispensable part of moon viewing, but are you aware that this plant, which we usually see without much thought, holds deep flower meanings and a rich history?
This article, from a florist's perspective, will carefully explain everything from the basic information about pampas grass to its surprisingly little-known flower meanings and their origins, as well as the history and trivia of pampas grass, which has been deeply rooted in Japanese culture since ancient times.
Discover new charms of pampas grass and find tips to enjoy the seasons.
What is Pampas Grass?
Pampas grass is one of the plants that symbolize the autumn landscape of Japan. Let's look at its basic information, such as its characteristics and the origin of its name.
What kind of plant is pampas grass?
| Plant Name | Pampas Grass (芒) |
| Scientific Name | Miscanthus sinensis |
| Family | Poaceae (Grass Family) |
| Genus | Miscanthus |
| Origin | Throughout East Asia |
| Blooming Season | August to October |
Pampas grass is a perennial plant classified under the genus Miscanthus in the grass family, and it is cherished as a symbol of autumn in Japan.
Its scientific name is "Miscanthus sinensis," and it is widely distributed mainly across East Asia.
Its stems grow straight, and at their tips, they bear distinctive fluffy plumes.
The sight of these plumes swaying in the wind is incredibly beautiful, making it a beloved plant that evokes the emotions of autumn in particular among Japan's four seasons.
Where does pampas grass grow?
Pampas grass grows wild in mountains, riversides, and sunny areas throughout Japan.
Especially in vast open fields and embankments, its clustered growth creates a magnificent landscape, evoking the atmosphere of autumn.
It is a plant with strong vitality, growing robustly once rooted.
Is the fluffy part of pampas grass a flower?
The plumes of pampas grass appear fluffy like cotton, but this part is actually the flower of the pampas grass.
More precisely, many small flowers gather to form a plume (kasui).
The blooming season is from September to October, and the plumes are initially reddish-brown, but they turn silvery-white as they mature, presenting a beautiful sight swaying in the wind.
What is the origin of the name "Susuki"?
There are several theories about the origin of the name Susuki. Here are a few representative ones:
・One theory suggests it came from "susu," referring to the way it "grows quickly" (sukusuku nobiru), combined with "ki" (木), meaning grass.
・Another theory suggests it evolved from "suzuki" (洲々草).
・The kanji "芒" (susuki) is composed of "亡," which represents sound, and "艹" (kusakanmuri), which represents plants, and is also said to express the way it sways in the wind.
One of the Seven Autumn Herbs
Pampas grass has been cherished since ancient times, appearing in the Manyoshu, and is counted as one of the Seven Autumn Herbs.
The Seven Autumn Herbs refer to hagi (bush clover), obana (pampas grass), kuzu (kudzu), nadeshiko (pink), ominaeshi (patrinia), fujibakama (thoroughwort), and kikyo (bellflower), which are said to originate from poems composed during the Heian period.
Pampas grass is also known as "Obana" and has been cherished as an indispensable part of the autumn landscape.
What are the flower meanings of Pampas Grass?
Pampas grass has various flower meanings derived from its robust appearance and how it sways in the wind.
The flower meanings of pampas grass include "vitality," "mutual understanding," "manly," "splendor," "retirement," and "yielding heart."
Some of these meanings are not only positive but also include slightly sentimental ones.
What is the origin of the flower meanings of pampas grass?
Let's look at the origins of each flower meaning.
・"Vitality," "Manly": These come from the powerful growth and vitality of pampas grass, thriving in any location.
・"Mutual Understanding," "Yielding Heart": There's a theory that the image of pampas grass plumes swaying in the wind is likened to hearts communicating with each other, or to flexibly acceding to another's opinion.
・"Splendor": This comes from the magnificent and beautiful scenery created by pampas grass growing in groups across vast fields.
・"Retirement": This theory likens the sight of pampas grass withering after a fruitful autumn to the image of retreating from the forefront and entering retirement.
Is pampas grass an auspicious plant?
Pampas grass has long been treated as a good luck charm. In particular, it is said to have the effect of "warding off evil" and "dispelling malevolent spirits."
Because its plumes resemble rice ears, it embodies wishes for a bountiful harvest, and its pointed tips were believed to have the power to drive away evil spirits.
For this reason, there is a culture throughout Japan of displaying it under the eaves of houses as a ward against evil, or offering it during moon-viewing festivals.
About the History of Pampas Grass
Pampas grass has been deeply involved in Japanese history and culture. Let's trace its footsteps.
Pampas Grass in the Manyoshu
The Manyoshu, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, features many poems about pampas grass, alongside bush clover.
At that time, it was known as "Obana" and was an important element for expressing autumn landscapes and human emotions.
For example, in poems such as "Autumn fields, the flowers that bloom, I count on my fingers, the seven kinds of flowers," pampas grass appears as a symbol of autumn.
(Reference: Manyo Encyclopedia, Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Museum "Autumn fields, the flowers that bloom, I count on my fingers, the seven kinds of flowers")
Active in "Chushu no Meigetsu (Jugoya)" during the Heian Period
The custom of moon viewing, introduced from China during the Heian period, developed into a unique Japanese culture.
Within this, pampas grass became a fixed offering. It is thought to have been endowed with the meaning of wishing for a good harvest in place of rice ears, and for warding off evil.
Furthermore, the elegant sight of pampas grass swaying in the wind, which matched the mood of appreciating the moon, was also one of the reasons it became an indispensable part of moon viewing.
(Reference: Anayukashi "The Origin and History of Otsukimi")
As a material for thatched roofs
Also, pampas grass was widely used as a primary material for thatched roofs.
It possessed excellent durability and insulation properties, indicating its deep connection to the lives of common people.
Due to its robustness, pampas grass is still used today for repairing thatched roofs.
(Reference: Japan Thatching Culture Association "What is Thatching?")
Pampas Grass in Ukiyo-e and Haiku
In Ukiyo-e and haiku of the Edo period, pampas grass was frequently depicted and was a familiar presence to common people.
It was cherished as an autumn feature and served as a motif that evoked poetic sentiment.
Famous haiku, such as Matsuo Basho's "Full moon, around the pond all night," also feature the combination of the moon and pampas grass, deeply linking it to Japanese aesthetics.
(Reference: Ukiyo-e Search "Rabbits in Bush Clover (Hagi) and Pampas Grass (Susuki)")
(Reference: 575 Fudemakase "Susuki")
Culture and Local Legends Associated with Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is connected to various cultures and traditions throughout Japan.
"The true identity of a ghost is a withered pampas plume."
This is a well-known proverb. Its meaning is that "the thing thought to be a ghost was actually just a withered pampas plume swaying in the wind."
It describes how a pampas plume swaying in the darkness could appear eerie.
This proverb is also used as a lesson to see the true nature of things, without being bound by preconceptions or prejudices.
"Chushu no Meigetsu (Jugoya)" (Harvest Moon)
Pampas grass is not merely an ornament; there's a reason it's essential for moon viewing.
As previously mentioned, it carries the meaning of wishing for a good harvest in place of rice ears, and of warding off evil.
Furthermore, it is also believed to act as a yorishiro (object where a deity or spirit resides) to welcome messengers from the moon.
In the decorations for Jugoya, offering pampas grass alongside dumplings expresses gratitude for the harvest and wishes for a bountiful crop next year.
Used as a charm against evil in Okinawa
The use of pampas grass varies by region.
For example, in Okinawa, there is a custom of displaying pampas grass under the eaves of houses as a charm against evil.
It is believed to act as a barrier to prevent evil spirits called "Majimun" from entering the house.
In this way, pampas grass is a plant that has been deeply rooted in people's lives and beliefs throughout Japan.
Trivia about Pampas Grass
Here are some interesting tidbits about pampas grass:
・Foxtail grass (Enokorogusa) and pampas grass are often mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance, but they are actually different species of plants. Pampas grass has larger plumes and grows taller.
・It is also one of the grass family plants that cause hay fever. Those who suffer from hay fever in autumn need to be careful about pampas grass pollen.
・The roots of pampas grass are sometimes used as crude drugs. They can be found in some traditional Chinese medicines as crude drugs with effects such as reducing fever and promoting urination.
・It is said that in the past, the plumes of pampas grass were sometimes used as material for brushes. The delicate shape of the plumes must have been suitable for brush purposes.
&YOUKAEN sells pampas grass in bundles!
&YOUKAEN offers pampas grass gifts to enjoy the autumn atmosphere.
Pampas grass, even displayed alone, has a strong presence and is perfect for Japanese-style interiors and moon-viewing decorations.
The pampas grass we use is carefully selected and sourced by our florists from the Setagaya market.
As the moon shines beautifully in the night sky, why not decorate with pampas grass and wish for good health throughout the year?
Autumn "Pampas Grass" 10-Stem Bouquet, 70cm Tall
¥5,500-
About the Season of Pampas Grass Availability
Generally, pampas grass is available from late August to around October.
Among these, the most beautiful period is around the harvest moon, when the plumes are plump and mature, shining with a silvery-white color.
At &YOUKAEN, we carefully select fresh, high-quality pampas grass at the optimal time and prepare to deliver it to everyone.
You can check the sales period and whether advance reservations are available on the product page, so please do take a look.
Summary
Pampas grass, though a familiar plant to us, is deeply connected to profound flower meanings, a rich history, and diverse cultures.
The sight of its plumes swaying in the wind signals the arrival of autumn, bringing peace and emotion to our hearts.
By knowing the flower meanings and background of pampas grass, you can experience the changing seasons from a different perspective than before.
&YOUKAEN values seasonal flowers that color Japan's beautiful four seasons.
We carefully select high-quality autumn floral materials, including pampas grass, and deliver them to everyone.
As an interior decoration for your home or a gift for a loved one, why not experience Japan's aesthetics and the changing seasons through pampas grass?
We offer a wide variety of seasonal flowers and gifts, and we look forward to your visit.
◆Revision History
December 10, 2025: Corrected some years. Added references and sources.
Jul 29, 2025
