Little information is available regarding the genus, but It may have previously been part of Cortaderia (pampas grass) and likely to be native to South America. The name breaks down to Greek lampros, 'splendid' and thyrsos, 'an ornamental wand', referring to the large silvery inflorescence, which is promising! Recently planted into our dry garden.
Overwintering tussocks of these grasses are important, sheltered hibernation sites for many beneficial insects such as ladybirds, and seeds in the showy seed-heads may be eaten by finches.