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Miscanthus floridulus - (Labill.)Warb.

Common Name Pacific Island silvergrass, Giant Eulalia Grass, Giant Chinese Silver Grass
Family Poaceae or Gramineae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Moist soils in meadows[200], of lowland Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - Japan.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Miscanthus floridulus Pacific Island silvergrass, Giant Eulalia Grass,  Giant Chinese Silver  Grass


www.flickr.com/photos/shenghunglin
Miscanthus floridulus Pacific Island silvergrass, Giant Eulalia Grass,  Giant Chinese Silver  Grass
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tau%CA%BBolunga

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Miscanthus floridulus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. 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 tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Hedge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers
Edible Uses:

The unopened flower spikes are edible[105, 177].

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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Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge

Plants can be grown as a screen. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season[200].

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Container, Erosion control, Seashore, Specimen, Winter interest. Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[200] but it also succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[1, 162], in sun or light shade[200]. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[233]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. This species is closely related to M. sacchariflorus[233]. The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant 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

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hainan Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Hong Kong, Japan (Honshu (east), Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Indochina, Indonesia (Jawa), Malaysia, Philippines PACIFIC: French Polynesia, Fiji

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 sacchariflorusAmur Silver GrassPerennial3.0 7-10 FLMHSNM003
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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Labill.)Warb.

Botanical References

58200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Dan Jacobson   Tue Feb 21 2006

Lots in Taiwan. Hear there are more parts edible.

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