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Common Name:

General Information

Miscanthus floridulus is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Moist soils in meadows[], of lowland Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[] but it also succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[, ], in sun or light shade[]. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[].
The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
This species is closely related to M. sacchariflorus[].
The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

The unopened flower spikes are edible[, ].

Medicinal

The rhizomes are used for medicine. No more details given[].

Other Uses

Plants can be grown as a screen. Although they die down in the winter they quickly attain their full height each season[].
The culms are used for papermaking[].

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[]. 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.