Cortaderia nitida

Native from Costa Rica to Peru, this plant is a perennial grass that forms dense clumps. Its slender, upright stems reach about six feet tall. Long, narrow leaves have rough, sharp edges, and a fringe of hairs marks the junction between each blade and its sheath. Open, feathery flowerheads contain small spikelets whose flower bracts carry long, silky hairs. The plumes are silvery to yellowish and may arch or droop. Each dry fruit encloses one seed. The species grows in highland vegetation and disturbed areas. In Ecuador, dried flower stalks are used to make kites and other crafts. Photographed in Ecuador.