Phaenosperma

One species from China, S. Korea, Japan and NE India. Evergreen, with relatively broad strap-like foliage, with a contrasting silvery-white undersides. Summer flowering, followed by charming bead-like fruits. Previously known as the even more unmemorable Euthryptochloa.

As with all patch-forming grasses, established plants provide a sheltered microhabitat for beneficial insects such as ladybirds, although being largely deciduous this doesn't persist into the winter months. The large seeds may be taken by finches and sparrows in the autumn, provided the flower spikes are left untrimmed.