Miscanthus sacchariflorus, commonly known as Amur silvergrass, is a perennial grass native to wetlands, riverbanks, and moist meadows in temperate Northeast Asia, including regions of China, Japan, and Korea. This species typically grows to a height of 5-9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters) and spreads 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) wide. It forms dense clumps of arching foliage, with feathery flower plumes that emerge in late summer and persist into winter, providing visual interest. The flowers are silvery-white, contributing to the plant’s common name, and can be quite showy. Amur silvergrass is deciduous, dying back in winter before regrowing in spring.

Amur silvergrass is valued for its tall, graceful form and its ability to create a strong vertical presence in the landscape. It is often used as a screen or backdrop in garden borders and is effective for erosion control on slopes due to its dense root system. This grass prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, fertile soils, but it can also tolerate some drought once established. While it is low-maintenance, it may require division every few years to manage its spread. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can become invasive outside its native range, spreading by rhizomes and self-seeding. It is recommended to remove flower heads before they set seed if grown in areas where it is known to be invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0