Common Name: Amur Silver Grass

General Information

Miscanthus sacchariflorus is a stout, coarse, perennial grass forming a clump of growth from a rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow around 1 - 3 metres tall[].
The plant is grown to provide biomass, and has the potential for use in soil remediation and stabilization projects. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge

Known Hazards

The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, eastern China, Japan

Habitat

Flood plains and river banks in meadows in Amur[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Miscanthus sacchariflorus is not hardy in the colder areas of the temperate zone, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c when fully dormant[], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[] but succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[, ], in sun or light shade[]. Very wind tolerant. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[].
This species photosynthesizes by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions.
Closely related to Miscanthus floridulus[].
The leaves have saw-toothed edges and can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[].
A rhizomatous plant, but it is slow to spread[], especially in cooler temperate areas[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Very wind hardy, succeeding in maritime exposure, it can be grown as a shelter hedge though it dies down in winter[]. Although they die down in the winter the plants quickly attain their full height each season[].

Other Uses

A potential biomass crop[]. Trial yields from young plants grown in Britain have produced 20 tonnes of dry matter per hectare (equivalent to over 33 MWh of energy) - it is believes that yields from mature plantings will be much higher[]. A stand should stay productive for at least 15 years[]. The main problem with the crop is the cost of establishment since plants do not produce rhizomes very freely in Britain[].
The fibres obtained from the leaves can be used in making paper, insulation board and possibly as a reinforcement in concrete[].

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.