Moliniopsis japonica, commonly known as Japanese Molinia, is a perennial grass native to various habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and mountain slopes in Southeast China, Japan, Korea, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin. It is a monotypic genus, meaning it is the only species within the genus Moliniopsis. The species epithet "japonica" indicates its association with Japan, and it is named in honor of the Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina. This grass typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and is known for its upright, clumping form.

Japanese Molinia is appreciated for its fine-textured foliage and airy flower panicles that appear in late summer to early fall. The flowers are not particularly showy but add a delicate texture to garden plantings. It is used in cultivation for mass plantings, as an accent in borders, and in naturalized areas. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While it is not a high-maintenance plant, it does benefit from occasional division to maintain vigor. Japanese Molinia is not typically associated with serious pest or disease problems, but it can suffer from rust in very humid conditions. It is also not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0