Miscanthus sinensis

Japanese Silver Grass

Family: Poaceae
Zone: 6-9                                Average Size: 5’H x 5’W, varies between cultivars

Identification:

-Clump forming grass with arching leaves
-Long flexible leaf with a distinct silver midrib
-Size and color of foliage varies between cultivars
-Flowers emerge as silky tassels on erect stalks, broom-like in appearance that dry to fluffy panicles in late summer

Note:   One the showiest ornamental grass, Miscanthus sinensis is a diverse species with a wide variety of selections to choose from in the landscape. Japanese Silver Grass is also well adapted to the south and performs well in well-drained landscape beds with fertile soil. The broom-like inflorescences appear above the foliage in late summer in silvery-white, gold and coppery-red and finally dry to a light tan in autumn. Miscanthus sinensis will freeze in the winter leaving a distinctive dry form. In early spring the dried grass should be cut to the ground to allow the new foliage to emerge.

Cultivars:

'Gracillimus'
'Variegatus'
'Zebrinus'

Campus Location: Julian C. Miller Hall, various locations