This is a widespread species with a broad range of variation. Although the variants may be locally distinct, there are too many intermediates to allow a more detailed taxonomy to be followed[].

Common Name: Eulalia

General Information

Miscanthus sinensis is a robust, herbaceous perennial grass, forming dense clumps of erect culms around 3 - 10mm in diameter from short, stout, underground rhizomes; it can grow around 30 - 400cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It has potential for use as a commercail biomass crop, and is grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a tall ground-cover plant.

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

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, eastern China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat

Moist meadows on slopes in lowland and mountains all over Japan[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Fully dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[], 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[]. The plant adapts to various types of soils and is resistant to strong wind and salt spray[]. Prefers a pH in the range 4 - 6, but succeeds in 3.5 - 7.5[]. The plant has been found to be the sole plant species growing in highly acidic soils around active craters where toxic gases are emitted[].
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.
A very variable species. Although some variants may be locally distinct, there are too many intermediate formss to allow any of these variants to be able to be described as distinct. One lowland and coastal form, that has at times been classified as Miscanthus condensatus Hack., or as a subspecies of Miscanthus sinensis, is said to retain its leaves over winter, to be tolerant of saline soils,and to be self-fertile (or at least to produce seed apomictically). However, it is also said to be less cold-tolerant[].
Often grown as an ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[]. Many forms do not get enough summer heat to flower freely when they are grown in Britain, 'Silberfeder' (syn 'Silver Feather') is the most free-flowering in cooler climates[]. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[].
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

Immature flowering spike[, ]. No further details are given.

Medicinal

The juice of young stems is used to disperse poisons, dissolve blood clots, dissipate extravasated blood and remove inflammation[].
The plant is diuretic and refrigerant[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants form impenetrably dense clumps and when planted close together in drifts make an excellent ground cover[].
The plant is tolerant of high levels of aluminum, chromium, and zinc in the soils, and this tolerance to heavy metals can be utilized to develop a bioenergy crop that can be grown on marginal lands and is also suitable for remediating polluted soils[, ].

Other Uses

The stems are considered to be a primary thatching material for the roofs of traditional Japanese farmhouses[, , ].
The leaves are woven to make storage bags for charcoal in Japan[].

A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and stems[].

The plant is used to make the movable screen of the paper mould for hand-made paper, since its smooth surface leaves no mark[].

Being increasingly grown as a source of biomass, trials are currently (1992) taking place on its potential in Britain[].

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.