Maiden grass (Miscanthus)

About Maiden grass (Miscanthus)

Maiden grass (Japanese silver grass) is a big Asian grass with silvery or pink plumes in late summer and fall. It is invasive: it reseeds freely, escapes into fields and woods and crowds out native plants. NC State lists it as invasive in North Carolina and Clemson does not recommend planting it. Natives such as switchgrass or little bluestem are better choices; Clemson suggests giant sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii).

Hardy in zones 5-9 (NC State). INVASIVE: listed by the NC Invasive Plant Council and not recommended by Clemson; if you keep one, low-seed or sterile kinds like 'Scout' reduce spread. It is also very flammable.

When to plant

Timing is counted from your average last spring frost (and first fall frost). Sow & Tell works out the actual dates for your ZIP code.

Not recommended for new plantings because it is invasive (Clemson, NC State). To remove an old clump, NC State suggests cutting it down, letting regrowth reach about 12 inches, then treating it with a 1% glyphosate solution (follow the label) and mulching heavily to stop seedlings.

Soil

Grows in almost any soil, clay to sand, wet to dry (NC State).

Not recommended for new plantings (invasive).

Feeding

Too much nitrogen makes grasses weak, floppy and prone to disease (Clemson). Water thoroughly after planting and watch closely the first few weeks; established clumps want about 1 inch of water a week from rain or irrigation.

Varieties (9)

Listed for people who already have Miscanthus or want lower-seed kinds; the species is invasive and Clemson does not recommend planting it.

Diseases and problems

Rust, Phytophthora root rot

In the kitchen

Pets: Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA.