Maiden grass
Miscanthus sinensis
Family: Poaceae
Other Common Names: Japanese silvergrass, Chinese silvergrass, miscanthus, susuki, eulalia, zebra grass
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 2014
Native to: Asia
Is this Weed Toxic?:
not known to be
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list. Please contact the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board to report locations or for more information.
How would I identify it?
General Description
This is a tall, showy grass that starts growing in a bunch and spreads from there. It frequently gets 3 to 7 feet tall, but occasionally up to 12 feet tall.
Flower Description
The inflorescences are white to purple and grow taller than the leaves
Leaf description
Very long grass blades that curve up and away from the center of the plant, and can be over 6 feet long.
Stem description
The stalk that the grass flowers grow on can be 4 to 12 feet tall
Where does it grow?
Escaped from gardens into open, sunny and partially sunny areas
How Does it Reproduce?
Maiden grass reproduces primarily through rhizomes, however it does make seeds which are mainly dispersed by wind.
How Do I Control It?
Digging can be effective, but is difficult due to how dense the roots are, and that any rhizomes left behind will re-sprout.
For More Information
USDA APHIS page on maiden grass
NPS Plant Invaders of the Mid-Atlantic page on maiden grass
Invasive.org page on maiden grass
US Forest Service page on maiden grass
Global Invasive Species Database page on maiden grass
Additional Photos
