Miscanthus
ExplorePlants
Miscanthus
Miscanthus
Miscanthus is a tall grass that can grow quite high! It has long, green leaves that sway in the wind like a dance.
Habitat: Fields and gardens
Appearance
The Miscanthus has tall, upright stems topped with graceful, feathery plumes that can be silvery, pinkish, or reddish-brown. Its long, arching green leaves often develop striking fall colors, making it stand out in any landscape.
KingdomPlantaePhylumSpermatophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusMiscanthus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Gardeners often use Miscanthus to create natural privacy screens or beautiful backdrops.
Miscanthus is being explored as a sustainable building material for houses and furniture.
Rustling Miscanthus leaves make a soothing sound like paper crinkling in the wind.
Some types of Miscanthus are called 'elephant grass' because they can grow taller than an elephant!
Special abilities
Ability
Biomass Builder
Miscanthus has an incredibly efficient growth system that helps it grow quickly and produce a lot of plant material.
Ability
Rhizome Runner
Miscanthus can spread using underground stems called rhizomes, which helps it establish new colonies and cover ground.
Ability
Winter Warrior
Miscanthus can stand tall even in winter, providing shelter and structure in cold landscapes after its leaves dry out.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 150-400 cm
- Spread
- 60-150 cm
- Flower Size
- 15-30 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer may browse on young Miscanthus shoots.
shelters
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
Voles create runways through dense Miscanthus.
shelters
Field Sparrow
Spizella pusilla
Sparrows often nest in tall grass clumps.
eats
European Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Rabbits can graze on the tender leaves.
Traits
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
Chinese Silver GrassEulaliaJapanese Silver Grass
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Miscanthus?
150-400 cm
How wide does Miscanthus spread?
60-150 cm
How big are the flowers on Miscanthus?
15-30 cm
When does Miscanthus bloom?
Late summer to fall
Is Miscanthus edible?
No
Is Miscanthus toxic?
None
What is Miscanthus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Miscanthus pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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