How many of you ornamental grass gardeners took careful look at the ornamental grass inflorescence (plumes) transition from the time they just emerge to when they are drying their seed heads?? Cultivars with colored inflorescence are often very dramatic in this regard. Miscanthus sin. 'Gracillimus', 'Puenktchen', 'Malepartus' with their burgundy color are good examples. 

Here is the transition progression with sample photos.

	The inflorescence branches first emerge almost pencil lead thin.  Pictured is Miscanthus sin. 'Puenktchen'.
	The inflorescence flowers giving rise to the anthers full of pollen.  Sometimes a shaking will unveil a cloud of pollen.  This is not the best picture caught it just a bit too late (next year for sure!), however in the upper right hand corner you can see the anthers hanging down off of the plume branch.  Pictured is Miscanthus sin. 'Graziella'.
	The 'fuzz' develops giving the plume exceptional beauty with their translucency. Being back or side light makes them shine like a beacon in the heavens.  You have to admit this this would add quite a bit of charm and conversation to anyone's garden! Pictured is Miscanthus sin. 'Graziella'.
	As the seeds dry into maturity, the plumes thicken even more.  At this stage the characteristic curving of the plume branches is quite noticeable.  The season of wait for this display is now over. Enjoy!  Pictured is Miscanthus sin. 'Puenktchen'.
	Finally, as the seeds are dispersed the snowy look slowly disappears. The winter winds finish off the plumes leaving a skeleton like look of the remaining inflorescence branches.  This picture is just before the skeleton look.  Pictures is Miscanthus sin. 'Autumn Light'.