Chinese Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis (Poaceae) is a large, clump-forming ornamental grass native to eastern Asia. Depending on cultivar, it reaches 4 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Arching, cascading leaves give it a fountain-like habit. Terminal panicles of spikelets with long silky hairs appear in late summer to fall, starting pink to silver and aging to cream. Foliage turns gold, orange, or red before going dormant in winter.

Maiden grass grows in full sun to part shade on a wide range of soil types and drainage conditions with moderate water needs. Cultivars span a broad range of heights and forms: 'Gracillimus' (6 feet, narrow leaves), 'Morning Light' (5 feet, variegated), 'Adagio' (4 feet, compact), 'Little Kitten' (3 feet, dwarf), and 'Yaku Jima' (4 feet). Caution: the species is documented as invasive in some regions, spreading by wind-disseminated seed and producing a large rhizomatous root mass. Hardy in Zones 5a to 9b.