Miscanthus sinensis

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Taxonomy (3,4)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Poaceae
Common name: Maiden Grass (Gracillimus), Dwarf Maiden Grass (Adagio) 
Varieties: Gracillimus, Adagio

General Information (2,3,4)

Region of Origin: Eastern Asia, Africa
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Growth Habit: Herb

  • Size: 7 feet (Gracillimus), 3-4 feet (Adagio)
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
  • Flowering: Late Summer to Early Fall

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2,3)

  • Other: Green, 120-180cm (Gracillimus); Silver-green, 100-125cm (Adagio) 

Inflorescence (1,2,4)

  • Color: Copper to silver (Gracillimus); Pink (Adagio)
  • Size: 1-1.5 feet (Gracillimus)

maidengrassinflorescence
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

Horticultural Information (1,2,3,4,5)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil type: Sand, clay
  • pH: <7 (Gracillimus); 5.5-8 (Adagio)
  • Maintenance: Easy
  • Landscape Uses: Accent, screen, borders, ornamental
  • Other: Needs a little fertilizer, and needs to be cut back 6 inches for new growth

Interesting Facts (2,3)

  • Gracillimus is the oldest cultivar
  • Adagio is one of the shortest cultivars

References

1) Lake,C., (2013). Bluestem Nursery Retrieved April 1, 2013, from: http://www.bluestem.ca/miscanthus-adagio.htm
2) Lake,C., (2013). Bluestem Nursery Retrieved April 1, 2013, from: http://www.bluestem.ca/miscanthus-gracillimus.htm
3) Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=i500
4) Odermatt, P., (2013). Great Plant Picks. Retrieved  April 1, 2013, from: http://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1000
5) (2013). Mahoney's. Retrieved  April 1, 2013, from: http://www.mahoneysgarden.com/perennial/maiden-grass-miscanthus-sinensis-gracillimus

Prepared by Walter Sablack as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek