Chinese Silvergrass

Chinese Silvergrass


Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) is a densely bunched grass that is native to Asia and was introduced in the United States for ornamental purposes during the late 1800s. It escapes from ornamental plantings and spreads into the wild. It can form large clumps in disturbed areas, displacing native vegetation. Silvergrass grows quickly, reaching heights of up to 12 tall, and invades disturbed areas such as roadsides, forest edges, and fields throughout the United States. Chinese silvergrass is extremely flammable and increases fire risks of invaded areas.

Native Alternatives

Switchgrass

(Panicum virgatum)

Prairie Dropseed

(Sporobolus heterolepis)

Common Rush

(Juncus effusus)

Purple Lovegrass

(Eragrostis spectabilis)

Indian Grass

(Sorghastrum nutans)

Pennsylvania Sedge

(Carex pensylvanica)

Southern Waxy Sedge

(Carex glaucescens)

Starrush Whitetop

(Rhynchospora colorata)

Pink Muhly Grass

(Muhlenbergia capillaris)