Chinese Silvergrass

(Miscanthus sinensis)

Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Silvergrass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands and grasslands in East and Southeast Asia. It can grow to heights of 0.8–2 m (3–7 ft), and in rare cases up to 4 m (13 ft), forming dense clumps from an underground rhizome. The leaves are long and slender, measuring 18–75 cm (7–30 in) in length and 0.3–2 cm in width. The flowers are purplish, held above the foliage, and appear in late summer to fall, adding visual interest to the landscape. Chinese Silvergrass is known for its feathery flower plumes that persist into winter, providing texture and movement in the garden.

This grass is valued for its versatility and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for ornamental use in borders, as a privacy screen, and in mass plantings. It thrives in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil, and it can tolerate a variety of moisture levels. It requires full sun to part shade to achieve its best growth. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can become invasive outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and self-seeding capabilities. Gardeners should be cautious and consider local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 3-7 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and grasslands in East and Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Miscanthus , Zebra Grass , Eulalia , Schilfgras , Gewöhnliches Chinaschlif , Miscanthus De Chine , Chinese Fairy Grass , Chinese Silver Grass , Chinesisches Stielbluetengras , Gemeines Chinaschilf

Scientific Names: Miscanthus sinensis , Miscanthus transmorrisonensis , Miscanthus sinensis f. gracillimus , Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus , Miscanthus sinensis subsp. gracillimus , Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens , Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus , Miscanthus sinensis f. purpurascens , Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens , Miscanthus sinensis subsp. condensatus

GBIF Accepted Name: Miscanthus sinensis Andersson