Frost Grass

(Spodiopogon sibiricus)

Frost Grass (Spodiopogon sibiricus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Spodiopogon sibiricus, commonly known as Frost Grass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands and grasslands of East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Siberia. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Frost Grass is notable for its upright, clumping form and fine-textured foliage that turns a striking coppery-gold in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the garden. The inflorescences appear in late summer, producing airy, silvery plumes that persist into winter and provide a unique textural contrast.

Frost Grass is valued for its adaptability and visual appeal throughout the seasons. It is used in cultivation for mass plantings, as an accent in borders, and for its ability to provide winter interest. This grass thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance, but it benefits from being cut back in late winter to early spring to make way for new growth. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from rust in humid conditions. Frost Grass is non-invasive and is not known to have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for gardeners looking to avoid potential problems with plant spread or infrastructure damage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and grasslands of East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Siberian Graybeard, Greybeard, Silverspike, Silvervass

Scientific Names: , Spodiopogon sibiricus, Spodiopogon sibiricus var. tomentosus, Spodiopogon sibiricus var. purpurascens, Spodiopogon sibiricus var. sibiricus, Andropogon sibiricus, Saccharum sibiricum, Spodiopogon depauperatus var. purpurascens, Spodiopogon sibiricus f. purpurascens, Spodiopogon sibiricus var. grandiflorus

GBIF Accepted Name: Spodiopogon sibiricus Trin.