Miscanthus sinensis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Porcupine Grass. (Discuss)

Zebra grass flower stalks in mid-October. The horizontal variegations are visible on leaves in the lower-right part of the picture.

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese silver grass, Maiden grass, Zebra grass; syn. Eulalia japonica Trin., Miscanthus sinensis f. glaber Honda, Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc., Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal, Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal, Saccharum japonicum Thunb.) is a grass native to Asia, but also cultivated in other parts of the world. It grows to 2 m tall, forming dense clumps. The flowers are purplish, held above the foliage.

This plant is an invasive species in parts of North America.

Some cultivars are available with differences in leaf color. The leaves of 'Variegata' have white margins. The leaves of 'Zebrina' are horizontally striped with yellow and green.