[2] Despite being renamed and placed within the genus Celtica, it is still widely referred to—both in horticultural literature and amongst gardeners—by its synonym, Stipa gigantea.

[4] The plant has prominent flower spikes emerging silver-lavender in the late spring, aging to a radiant golden over the summer, and persisting in tan into winter.

[5][4] Celtica gigantea is grown as an ornamental grass for planting as single specimens and massed drifts in parks, public landscapes, and gardens.

[4] The tall golden flower spikes are attractive on the plant, especially radiant when backlit by the sun.

Under the synonym Stipa gigantea this plant[3][7] and the cultivar 'Gold Fontaene'[8] have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.