Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
Maiden grass (miscanthus) (Miscanthus sinensis) is a deciduous perennial grass in the Poaceae family. It grows 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) tall and 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
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Maiden grass (miscanthus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Maiden grass (miscanthus) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Miscanthus is not known to be toxic to people or pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Maiden grass (miscanthus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Maiden grass (miscanthus) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Riverside botanical garden (6 plants)
Questions about Maiden grass (miscanthus)
- How far apart should I plant Maiden grass (miscanthus)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Maiden grass (miscanthus) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Maiden grass (miscanthus) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Maiden grass (miscanthus)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Maiden grass (miscanthus) flower?
- From about September for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Maiden grass (miscanthus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Miscanthus is not known to be toxic to people or pets.
- What grows well with Maiden grass (miscanthus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Maiden grass (miscanthus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Dry autumn and winter stems are flammable; cut back in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
- Blue fescue Festuca glauca