Miscanthus sinensis, also known as Chinese Silvergrass, is a common ornamental grass in the United States. It is sought after for its height, which can offer privacy in landscape settings, and its showy seed heads, which provide winter interest in a garden.
Despite these attributes, we hope to see a future where Miscanthus is eliminated from residential and commercial landscapes. That’s because Miscanthus is invasive, and it causes a wide range of problems across Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond.
Read on to learn about some of the harms caused by Miscanthus plus native plant alternatives that can offer the same benefits in the landscape while supporting ecological wellbeing.
Miscanthus sinensis or Chinese Silvergrass is an invasive species that causes ecological damage. Photo credit: F.D. Richards
The Problems with Miscanthus in Landscapes
Since its introduction to the region in the 1800s, Miscanthus has been observed escaping cultivated environments and invading roadsides, forest edges, and disturbed sites. Many ecologists have raised concerns over its potential to out-compete native grasses. Additionally, its far-blowing chaff has been shown to be quite flammable, increasing forest fire risks. Miscanthus is now categorized as invasive in 25 states as well as the District of Columbia and Ontario.
Despite its downsides, more than 50 cultivars of Miscanthus have been developed and marketed since 1980. Many cultivars claim to be sterile and therefore unable to self-seed, but a study conducted by the Chicago Botanic Garden found that at least 34 available cultivars produced viable seed in a quarantined environment. In fact, according to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s study, only one cultivar (Giant Miscanthus) did not produce viable seeds in a quarantined environment.
Once established, Miscanthus can be very difficult to remove. Because of its rhizomatic root structure, its entire root system must be excavated, and any rhizomes left behind could create new plants.
Big Bluestem, pictured here among other native plants, is a gorgeous native grass that offers vertical structure and distinct colors in the landscape while providing food and habitat for native birds (Our Land Organics design and installation)
Native Plant Alternatives to Miscanthus
Luckily, there are a number of native alternatives to Miscanthus that can provide your yard with uncompromising beauty without the risk of ecological harm. These include:
Panicum switch grasses
Big Bluestem
Winterberry
Staghorn Sumac
Witch Hazel
For those in love with ornamental grasses, Panicum Switch Grasses and Big Bluestem can be used either singularly as gorgeous specimen plants or planted in large stands to create breathtaking meadows and prairies.
Both species can grow up to 6 feet tall in the Cincinnati region. These native grasses root very deeply, allowing them to hold soil in place and resist erosion, even in drought conditions. Their leaves and seeds provide important food and nest material for a variety of native bird species.
Winterberry is a native shrub that offers a bright pop of color in the winter garden along with food and shelter for wildlife. Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service