Pampas grass (Cortadera) that was either cut back hard or it's reviving from a serious frost. Joe

Bev, could you post a larger picture that shows more detail? Does the shrub drop its foliage in the fall? One possibility is Ilex verticillata, Winterberry Holly, a native, wetland holly that loses it leaves each autumn. Check out the pix at the link below. Rosie Here is a link that might be useful: Google Images search for Winterberry Holly

OK Tamarisk. I should really know better than to make categorical statements on these forums. I'd never seen or heard reference to aster cuttings but it seems that they do work. I Googled and interestingly there are very few refs to UK sources for this method of propagation. We just divide the clumps up. I still think the bits in the photos don't look very promisimg cutting material but there's no harm in having a go.

It's an oak leaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia. Great plant, and gorgeous fall color as well. I don't know what cultivar, but it sounds like your brother knows what he is talking about. There are a bunch of different cultivars, however.