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Miscanthus sacchariflorus - (Maxim.)Benth.

Common Name Amur Silver Grass
Family Poaceae or Gramineae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Flood plains and river banks in meadows in Amur[74, 200].
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Miscanthus sacchariflorus Amur Silver Grass


Miscanthus sacchariflorus Amur Silver Grass
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tarabagani

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Miscanthus sacchariflorus is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

M. saccharifer. Imperata sacchariflora.

Habitats

 Hedge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge

Very wind hardy, succeeding in maritime exposure, it can be grown as a shelter hedge though it dies down in winter[K]. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season[200].

Special Uses

Carbon Farming  Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Industrial Crop: Biomass  Management: Hay  Minor Global Crop

Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[200] but succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[1, 162], in sun or light shade[200]. Very wind tolerant. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[233]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c when fully dormant[200], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Closely related to M. floridulus[233]. The leaves have saw-toothed edges and can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[200]. A rhizomatous plant, but it is slow to spread[188]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

Carbon Farming

  • Industrial Crop: Biomass  Three broad categories: bamboos, resprouting woody plants, and giant grasses. uses include: protein, materials (paper, building materials, fibers, biochar etc.), chemicals (biobased chemicals), energy - biofuels
  • Management: Hay  Cut to the ground and harvested annually. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.
  • Minor Global Crop  These crops are already grown or traded around the world, but on a smaller scale than the global perennial staple and industrial crops, The annual value of a minor global crop is under $1 billion US. Examples include shea, carob, Brazil nuts and fibers such as ramie and sisal.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse and keep moist. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or early autumn[200]. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Miscanthus floridulusPacific Island silvergrass, Giant Eulalia Grass, Giant Chinese Silver GrassPerennial2.5 6-9 FLMHSNM203
Miscanthus sinensisEulalia, Chinese silvergrass, Silver Feather, Eulalia Grass, Japanese Silver Grass, Ornamental GrassPerennial4.0 4-9 FLMHSNM123
Miscanthus x giganteusGiant MiscanthusPerennial4.0 4-9 FLMHNDM004

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Maxim.)Benth.

Botanical References

74200

Links / References

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