Native Plant Alternatives to Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass)

While Miscanthus sinensis, or Chinese Silver Grass, is appreciated for its ornamental appeal in the garden, it is important to note that it has been labeled invasive in some regions. This is primarily due to its prolific reseeding habits and fast-growing nature. In some U.S. states, including parts of the Midwest and East Coast, it has escaped cultivation and established itself in natural habitats, often outcompeting native plants.

The species form of Miscanthus sinensis is invasive in several US states and is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

If you’re considering adding Miscanthus sinensis to your garden, you should check with local horticulture experts or your local extension service to see if it’s considered invasive in your area. If it is deemed invasive but you still wish to include this species in your landscape, consider using sterile cultivars that do not produce viable seed. However, as a general rule, do not plant more than one cultivar on your property. Use only a vegetatively propagated cultivar showing no evidence of self-seeding in your area.

A better alternative: Plant native grasses.

Remember, responsible gardening involves keeping track of plants that have the potential to become invasive and ensuring they do not escape into natural environments. Proper garden management can help prevent the spread of potentially invasive species.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it naturally occurs in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.