Isolepis R. Brown
Sedge family, Cyperaceae
As currently defined, this genus includes more than 60 annual and perennial species of worldwide distribution in temperate and cooler tropical regions, centered in Africa and Australia. Very closely related to and often included in Scir-pus. All lack typical, well-developed leaves. Photosynthesis takes place in the green, cylindrical, often threadlike stems.Isolepis cernua (Vahl) Roemer & Schultes [Scirpus cernuus Vahl]
Mop-sedge, fiber-optics plant This variable species is native to freshwater or slightly brackish moist to wet open habitats typically near the coasts in western North America, Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Forms a dense, moplike tuft of fine bright green or yellow-green stems. Similar in appearance to the spike-rushes, Eleocharis species, in having tiny terminal flower spikes. Of easy culture in moist soil in full sun or light shade. Amenable to pot culture or greenhouse display. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7 with some protection.Jarava Ruiz & Pavon Grass family, Poaceae Feather grass, needle grass, ichu Comprises 50 or more species native to Central and South America. This genus was originally described in 1894, but until recently most species have been included in Stipa. Closely related to Achnatherum and also related to Nassella. Many feathergrasses have extremely feathery or plumose inflorescences and can be highly ornamental, though their potential for naturalizing beyond their native range and becoming ecologically disruptive warrants close observation of any introductions to vulnerable regions such as the arid southwestern United States. All are clump-forming, cool-season growers. In South America the name "ichu" is sometimes used generically to refer to all the feather bunchgrasses, including the namesake Jarava ichu.
Jarava ambigua (Spegazzini) Penailillo [Stipa ambigua Spegazzini]
Feather grass, needle grass Native to South America. Narrowly upright, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall when blooming. Leaves fine, dark green. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Isolepis cernua in early June at Ashland Hollow in northern Delaware.
Jarava ambigua in late August at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, in England.
Jarava caudata (Trinius) Penailillo [Stipa caudata Trinius]
Feather grass, needle grass Native to South America. Fine-textured deep green foliage forms a rounded mound, to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, scarcely overtopped by the flowering stalks. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.Jarava ichu Ruiz & Pavon [Stipa ichu (Ruiz & Pavon) Kunth]
Peruvian feather grass, ichu The type species for the genus Jarava and perhaps the most spectacular in bloom. Native to Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. Upright, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall when blooming. The inflorescences are full and feathery, especially as they dry and seeds mature. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Sometimes used in soil stabilization and revegeta-tion projects in its native Andean region. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.Jarava plumosa (Trinius) S. W. L. Jacobs & J. Everett [Stipa plumosa Trinius, S. papposa Nees] Feather grass
Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, and introduced and naturalized in Africa and Australia. Similar in appearance to Jarava ichu. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.
Jarava caudata in a private garden designed by Ximena Nazal and Pablo Cornejo near Santiago, Chile, in January (mid summer).
This planting in Penalolen, Chile, by Ximena Nazal and Teodoro Fernandez places Jarava caudata (in the foreground) against a backdrop of Cerro San Ramon, part of the Andean foothills, in late August (late winter).
Ayoung plant of Peruvian feather grass,Jarava ichu, blooms in early December in Jason Kubrock's garden in Encinitas, California.
JUNCUS Linnaeus
Rush family, Juncaceae
RushA cosmopolitan genus comprising more than 200 mostly perennial, rhizomatous species native primarily to moist or wet habitats throughout the world's temperate zones, though some are adapted to dry conditions and many can withstand seasonally dry periods. The majority lack normally developed leaves with flat blades and instead rely upon the green cylindrical stems to carry on photosynthesis. Where they occur, rushes are often locally abundant. The rhizomatous nature of many species often results in large, dense sweeps or masses. The plants' strictly vertical lines are unique and characteristic elements in many regional landscapes, and many species play important roles in nutrient cycles and filtration of wetland habitats. Rushes are evergreen in milder climates and semievergreen even in cool climates. As a group, rushes are long-lived, durable plants. Old stems tend to accumulate and gradually bleach to light tan. Most rushes are easily grown on a variety of soils and can be propagated by seed or division.
Juncus acutus subsp. leopoldii (Parlatore) Snogerup [Juncus acutus var. sphaerocarpus Engelmann]
Spiny rushNative to moist, often saline places including alkaline seeps and salt marshes from southwestern North America to South America and also in southern Africa. The stiff, green stems radiate neatly from the core to form a neat, spiny green sphere. Grows 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) tall, with flowers clustered near the tips of the stems. Prefers full sun and average to moist soils but is very drought tolerant once established. A durable, uniquely sculptural plant. Propagate by seed, or by division during moist times of the year. Zone 8.
Jarava ichu with Agave obscura (in the foreground) in early July at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, California.
Jarava plu-mosa is sidelit by the late-July sun at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, in England.
Juncus acutus subsp. leopoldii in late June at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in California.
Juncus biflorus Elliott
Native to sunny moist or seasonal wet habitats from Massachusetts to Michigan south to Florida and Texas, and also in Alaska. This unusual rush actually has a few flat-bladed long, narrow leaves accompanying the green stems and so looks quite different from many species including common rush, Juncus effusus. The inflorescences are terminal. The dark brown flowers mature to red-brown seed capsules. Slender and upright, the plant reaches 2 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) tall. Requires moist soil. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.Juncus conglomeratus Linnaeus
Native to wet, often acidic pastures, meadows, and bogs in Europe. Stiffly upright, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Blooms in early to mid summer, with flowers in tight clusters about one-fifth of the way down from the tops of the stems. Stems are gray-green. Of easy culture on a wide variety of soil types. Prefers moist to wet sitting in full sun. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7.Juncus effusus Linnaeus Common rush, soft rush One of the most widely distributed rush species, occurring in moist to wet, sunny or lightly shaded habitats in the world's temperate regions. It is the most commonly encountered species in North America, found in most regions except arid deserts. It is also Japan's most common rush and has been used for centuries in the making of tatami mats. An architecturally interesting plant with dark forest-green stems, upright and arching in a broad fan, up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. The cold hardiness varies between plants of different provenance, but the hardiest are reliable into Zone 3.
Juncus biflo-rus in early August in low, wet ground in southern Delaware.
Juncus conglomerate in early August at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany.
Juncus effusus in early June at the sunny edge of wet deciduous woodlands in northern Delaware.
'Frenzy'. Variegated corkscrew rush. Stems twisted and spiraling, with vivid light yellow striping.
'Gold Strike'. Stems straight and vertical, with yellow striping.
'Spiralis'. Corkscrew rush. Stems spiraling, solid medium green.
'Unicorn'. Corkscrew rush. Stems spiraling, solid dark green.
Juncus effusus in late June at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
A sweeping mass of Juncus effusus adds its autumn color and texture to this New Jersey Pine Barrens wetland habitat, as highbush blueberries, Vac-cinium corymbosum (in the background), turn crimson and Itea virginica (in the foreground) is scarlet at the water's edge.
The striking architecture of Juncus effusus is silhouetted near dusk at Whitesbog in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in early June.
Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' in early June at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Juncus effusus 'Frenzy' in late June in Southern California.
Juncus infl exus in mid August at Barry Yinger’s garden in Pennsylvania.
Juncus infl exus ‘Lovesick Blues’ in mid July at Tony Avent’s Juniper Level Botanic Garden in North Carolina.
Juncus inflexus Linnaeus Hard rush
Widely distributed in the world's temperate regions including Europe and North America, typically growing in moist or wet sunny habitats. The typical form has cylindrical stems similar to those of the common rush, Juncus effusus, but are glaucous gray-green or blue-green and much stiffer. Grows 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. Much more drought-tolerant than common rush and will grow well in average or even slightly dry soils. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 4.'Afro'. Stems gray-green, twisted, and spiraled. Overall height is under 1 foot (30 cm). Prefers sun and average to moist soil but is very drought tolerant once established. Most seedlings retain the twisted character. Named by Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina.
'Lovesick Blues'. Weeping blue hard rush. Stems lax, strongly glaucous gray-blue. Produces a graceful fountain of foliage up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall. Introduced by Plant Delights Nursery.
Juncus kraussii Hochstetter
Native to coastal, often saline or brackish wetland habitats in Australia and Africa. Strongly rhizomatous, growing 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall, with relatively large, heavily branched inflorescences at the tips of the stems. Prefers full sun and shallow water. Salt-tolerant. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.Juncus militaris Bigelow
Bayonet rush, jointed bog rush This distinctive aquatic species occurs in freshwater habitats including bogs and other shallow waters along the North American coast from Nova Scotia to Delaware and inland to New York, southern Ontario, and Michigan. Stout, glossy green jointed stems grow vertically from a submersed, horti-zontal rhizome. A stiff stemlike leaf grows upright from the middle of each stem, overtopping the branched, vase-shaped inflorescence. Grows 40 inches (1 m) in overall height, rising above the water's surface as much as 2 feet (60 cm). The lower portion of the stems is often attractively red-tinted. Blooms in mid to late summer, the inflorescences ripening to a rich red-brown color. In addition to the upright stems and leaves, the rhizomes often produce volumes of submersed threadlike leaves that are arranged in flowing patterns by stream currents. Propagate by seed or division. Small plants or plugs may be planted at almost any time of year as long as they are able to make at least six weeks of root growth before the arrival of freezing winter temperatures. Zone 3.
Juncus kraussii in late August (winter) at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in New Zealand.
Spreading by submersed, horizontal rhizomes, Juncus militaris grows in dense sweeps in the shallow waters of the Oswego River in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in mid-July.
Bayonet-like stems and leaves of Juncus militaris partly obscure the brown, branched inflorescences in mid-July.
In mid-July the organically tea-colored waters of southern New Jersey's Oswego River provide a stunning background for the textural interplay of Juncus militaris and local wa-terlilies, Nymphaea odorata. In foreground, submersed threadlike leaves of the rush reveal the currents of this gently moving stream.
Juncus patens E. Meyer
California gray rush, wire grass Although this species is native to moist habitats in California and Oregon, it is capable of growing in average to dry soils and can withstand periods of seasonal drought. It is similar to the common rush, Juncus effusus, but with more stiffly erect, glaucous blue-green or gray-green stems, and is alsomore tolerant of summer heat and drought. Mostly evergreen, especially in mild climates. Grows to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Prefers full sun, in moist soil or shallow water. Zone 7.'Carman's Gray'. A gray-green selection by Ed Carman of California.
'Elk Blue'. Stems glaucous blue-green.
'Occidental Blue'. Stems glaucous gray-green.
Juncus patens 'Elk Blue' at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California, in early April.
Detail ofJuncus patens 'Elk Blue'.
Juncus patens at Des-canso Gardens in Southern California in early May.
Juncus polyanthemus Buchenau
Australian gray rush Native to swampy habitats, mostly near the coast, in Australia. Much larger than the common rushes, typically 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, with gray-green to gray-blue stems up to 3/8 inch (9 mm) in diameter. Evergreen in milder climates. Forms large clumps and increases slowly by rhizomes. Prefers full sun and constantly moist soil or shallow water. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8, possibly colder.Koeleria Linnaeus
Grass family, Poaceae Hair grass
The genus commemorates botanist G. L. Koeler (1765-1806), who specialized in grasses. A cosmopolitan genus of approximately 35 annual and perennial species native to open habitats throughout the world's north- and south-temperate regions. They are cool-season growers, usually flowering in late spring or early summer and then going partly or fully dormant in areas where summers are hot and humid. In cooler climates they remain presentable through autumn. Individual plants tend to be short-lived, but populations often persist indefinitely by self-sowing. Upright in growth, with fine-textured tufts of leaves topped by narrow erect flower panicles. Inflorescences open light green and translucent, drying to a pleasing buff color. Hair grasses bloom earlier than many grasses and are worth including to extend flowering interest over the season. They are ideal for naturalizing in meadow gardens. Easily grown in full sun on moist or moderately dry soils. Best propagated by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 5.Koeleria glauca (Schrader) De Candolle [Koeleria macrantha subsp. glauca (Schrader) P. D. Sell] Blue hair grass This distinctly glaucous species is native to Europe and north-temperate Asia, particularly on sandy soils. Grows 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) tall when blooming in late spring or early summer. Foliage is bright gray-blue. Of easy culture in sun on a wide variety of soils. Drought-tolerant. Zone 6. 'Coolio'. Leaves gray-blue, typical of the species.
Koeleria macrantha (Ledebour) Schultes [Koeleria cristata auctor pro parte, non Persoon, K. pyrami-data auctor pro parte, non (Lamarck) Beauvois] Hair grass, June grass (United States), prairie June grass, crested hair grass A frequent and attractive presence in prairies and open woods over much of the western, central, and northeastern
Koeleria glauca begins blooming in early June at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Seedheads of Koeleria glauca have turned tawny by mid July at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle, Washington.
Koeleria macrantha blooms in early June at the Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri, with purple coneflower (in the background).
United States, where it is called June grass or prairie June grass, this species is also native to temperate Eurasia. Grows 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) tall when blooming in late spring or early summer. Foliage is bright green. Of easy culture in full sun. Prefers sandy, well-drained soils. Best propagated by seed. Cold hardiness varies with provenance. Plants of northern prairie provenance are cold hardy to Zone 4.
Leptocarpus R. Brown
Restio family, Restionaceae Comprises approximately 15 dioecious species mostly native to Australia, with one species endemic to New Zealand and another native to Chile. All are rushlike perennials lacking normally developed leaves and frequently found in moist habitats.Leptocarpus similis Edgar
Jointed wire rush, oioi Endemic to New Zealand's North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands, in coastal habitats among salt marshes and dunes, and inland in damp marshes. Often forms large colonies. Stems are narrow, blue-green, 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) tall depending upon available moisture. When grown in full sun and dry conditions the stems will turn orange. Although naturally occurring mostly in moist habitats, this adaptable, durable plant can tolerate considerable drought. It is frequently used in traffic islands and other similarly challenging urban and suburban sites in New Zealand. Of easy culture on a wide range of soil types. Can be propagated by seed; however, division is easiest. Zone 8.
Leptocarpus similis at sunset in late August (winter) in natural habitat north of Wellington, New Zealand.
Leymus Hochstetter
Grass family, Poaceae
Wild rye, blue wild rye, lyme grass, blue lyme grass Comprises nearly 40 perennial, rhizomatous species native to coastal sands and other saline or alkaline habitats and to stony slopes and steppes, mostly in north-temperate regions. Formerly included in Elymus. Many species are very important stabilizers of coastal habitats, and a few have long been popular as garden plants, despite their sometimes aggressively rhizomatous habit of growth. The foliage is often glaucous and silver-blue to blue-gray. All the species are drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant.Leymus arenarius (Linnaeus) Hochstetter [Elymus arenarius Linnaeus, E. glaucus hort., non Buckley]
European dune grass, lyme grass, sea lyme grass, blue wild ryeNative to dunes and other shifting coastal sands of northern and western Europe including the British Isles. An important dune stabilizer that spreads rapidly by rhizomes, especially in loose, fertile soil, this species has long been popular with British gardeners, including Gertrude Jekyll, for its glaucous silver-blue foliage. The growth habit is somewhat sprawling, with lax stems growing upright and arching to a height of 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) topped by slender flower spikes to a total height of 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) in summer. Though a cool-season grower, it is quite tolerant of summer heat and humidity. The low, running habit makes it especially suitable for groundcover use. Can be difficult to contain in a traditional flower border. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates and semievergreen in cold climates. This species is adapted to use in traffic islands and other challenging sites with poor, compacted soil and exposure to salt. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring.
Leptocarpus similis planted in drifts along the public beach in Pauahatanui near Wellington, New Zealand, in late August (winter).
Trish Bartleet's poolside design for this private garden in Auckland, New Zealand, incorporates a waveform sweep of Leptocarpus similis. Photographed in early September (spring).
Foliage of Leymus arenarius is typically glaucous gray-blue.
Leymus arenarius in mid July in Beth Chatto's unir-rigated gravel garden in Colchester, England
In early July, Leymus arenarius plays on the color of a weathered copper urn at The Coach House, Penelope Hobhouse's garden, in England.
A young plant of Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune' in late October in southern New Jersey.
'Blue Dune'. Leaves strongly silver-blue. 'Findhorn'. Slightly compact and shorter growing, less rapidly spreading.
'Glaucus'. This is a catchall name for glaucous forms. It does not reliably refer to any clonal variety. Since the species is glaucous, this name is truly unnecessary; however, it is still widely used in commerce.
Leymus cinereus (Scribner & Merrill) A. Love [Elymus cinereus Scribner & Merrill] Great Basin wild rye, ashy wild rye, gray wild rye Native to meadows, canyons, streamsides, sagebrush scrub, and open woodland from Minnesota to British Columbiasouth to Colorado, Nevada, and California, typically at higher elevations than Leymus condensatus. Characteristically erect, with stems and foliage distinctly gray-green. Grows 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall in bloom. Differs from most other cultivated Leymus species in being a modest spreader, increasing slowly by rhizomes, and is easily managed in clumps or small patches. Mostly evergreen except in the coldest climates. A statuesque species that is highly effective in drifts or sweeps in broad meadows or clearings. Prefers full sun, cool summer night temperatures, and low humidity. Grows well in cool northern Europe. Very drought tolerant and much more cold hardy than L. condensatus. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 5.
Leymus condensatus (Presl) A. Love [Elymus condensatus J. Presl] Giant wild rye
This species resembles Leymus cinereus in its upright stance, growing even taller, to 9 feet (2.7 m) in height. The foliage and stems are typically green and only slightly glaucous. The species has a more southern distribution than L. cinereus, growing on dry sunny slopes and open woodlands from Southern California into Mexico, and is much less cold hardy. It spreads slowly by rhizomes, but is a prolific self-seeder and is easiest to manage in large-scale landscapes. Very drought tolerant and fairly salt tolerant. Prefers full sun or light shade. Zone 7.
Leymus cinereus blooming in mid June at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Leymus cinereus in mid June in the meadow at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in California.
Leymus conden-satus blooms in late June near Morro Bay, California.
Leymus condensatus , flowering detail, in late June.
'Canyon Prince'. Canyon Prince wild rye. Named and introduced by the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden from an original collection on Prince Island, an islet in the Channel Island group off the Southern California coast. The entire plant is highly glaucous, with a blue-silver appearance, and is relatively short, growing 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) to the tops of the flowering stems. It also spreads more rapidly than typical for the species. Leymus species are known to hybridize readily, and there is a possibility that the more glaucous foliage, short stature, and more running habit of this cultivar is due to hybridization, perhaps with L. mollis. In any case, it is a distinct and superb grass, of easy cultivation in a wide range of conditions from sun to light shade, in dry or slightly moist soil. Propagate by division. Zone 7, possibly colder.
Leymus mollis (Trinius) Hara [Elymus mollis Trinius, E. arenarius var. villosus E. May] American dune grass, sea lyme grass Native to coastal sands on both coasts of North America south to Massachusetts and California, inland along the shores of Lake Superior, and also along the coast of northeastern Asia. More upright than Leymus arenarius with foliage more green, less glaucous. An important stabilizer of coastal habitats. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 3.
Leymus racemosus (Lamarck) Tzvelev [Elymus racemosus Lamarck, E. giganteus Vahl, E. glaucushort., non Buckley] Volga wild rye, giant blue wild rye, mammoth wild rye This Eurasian species is slightly larger than Leymus arenarius ; however, it is otherwise so similar that the two are often confused in commerce. Since the foliage is typically glaucous, with a silver-blue overall appearance, the frequently encountered cultivar name 'Glaucus' is superfluous.
Leymus triticoides (Buckley) Pilger
Creeping wild rye Native to moist, sunny, sometimes saline meadows at low to mid elevations in California, Washington, Montana, and south in mountains to Texas. Unlike the dune species, it is not strongly glaucous and has green or bluish gray-green foliage to 3 feet (90 cm) high. Very strongly rhizomatous, typically forming extensive sods. Because of this, it is often planted for stabilization and revegetation purposes, or simply to create a soft, low-maintenance grassy meadow. It usually remains green through summer even in hot, dry regions. Of easy culture in sun on moist to average soils. Very tolerant of saline and alkaline conditions. Best propagated by division. Zone 4.
Leymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince' in late June at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Leymus mollis, foliage detail, in late July at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
'Gray Dawn'. Foliage glossy bluish gray-green, to 2 feet (60 cm). A California selection by Nevin Smith.
'Shell Creek'. Compact, to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, with bluish gray-green foliage. Selected by Dave Fross from a population near Shell Creek east of San Luis Obispo, California.
Luzula De Candolle Rush family, Juncaceae Wood rush
A cosmopolitan genus of approximately 80 mostly perennial species most frequent in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Though Luzula species are true rushes closely related to Juncus, most have normally developed leaves with flat blades and look superficially like sedges. The foliage is typically basal, and the plants clump-forming or spreading by rhizomes. Flowers are produced in spring on upright stalks and are relatively small and brown or tan in color with conspicuous light yellow anthers. As the common name implies, Luzula species are primarily plants of woodland, shaded habitats, some drier but most moist. A few European woodrushes have long been cultivated in shade gardens; however, many more species, including North American natives, deserve more attention for use in woodland landscapes. The leaves are often somewhat thick and slightly leathery, remaining green through winter and being replaced by new growth in spring along with the flowers. Some wood rushes have distinct hairs along their leaf margins. They can be grown from seed, or by division in spring or early autumn.Luzula acuminata Rafinesque
Hairy wood rush This North American native occurs in woods and clearings and on bluffs from Canada south to upland Georgia and west to Illinois and South Dakota. The basal leaves are deep green, lustrous, and relatively broad, to V inch (12 mm) wide. The margins are finely hairy. Blooms in April and May, with flowering stalks to 14 inches (35 cm) tall and flowers tan and red-brown. Spreads slowly by rhizomes and can be employed as a woodland groundcover if planted fairly closely. Its rate of increase is much slower than the larger European wood rush, Luzula sylvatica. Tolerates dense deciduous shade and moist or moderately dry conditions. Prefers organic soil and most often occurs in neutral to acidic soils, though plants of more southern distribution common to calcareous wooded slopes are sometimes distinguished as L. acuminata var. carolinae (S. Watson) Fernald, and these are best for alkaline garden soils. Zone 4.
Leymus triticoides in early April in the Morgridge garden in San Luis Obispo, California.
Luzula acuminata grows at the base of a large tulip-poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera,in early December at the Mount Cuba Center in northern Delaware.
Luzula acumi-nata foliage is glossy green with blades approximately ^ inch (12 mm) wide in late October.
Luzula echinata (Small) F. J. Hermann Wood rush
The specific epithet means like a hedgehog, and indeed this delicate North American species does look like a spiny sphere when flowering, though it is actually quite soft to the touch. Native to woods, thickets, and clearings from Georgia and Alabama north to New York and west to Illinois. Similar to Luzula multiflora, with basal leaves only % inch (6 mm) wide, but more rounded in form, growing 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Of easy culture in shade on moist to moderately dry soil. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6.Luzula luzuloides (Lamarck) Dandy & Willmott
European wood rush Native to central and southern Europe. Loosely tufted and rhizomatous. Basal leaves narrow, to % inch (6 mm) wide, gray-green with hairy margins. Inflorescences to 24 inches (60 cm) tall, with dense, off-white to light tan flowers in clusters that become increasingly pendulous as seeds mature. A useful, easily grown groundcover for sun or partial shade on moist or moderately dry soil. Zone 6.Luzula multiflora (Retzius) Lejuene
Common wood rush (North America) Widely distributed over eastern North America, growing in open woods, fields, and meadows, and the most commonly encountered in much of its range. Similar in appearance to Luzula echinata, but more upright in form. Leaves green, narrow, to % inch (6 mm) wide. Blooms in spring, to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. Of easy culture in shade or in sun with moisture. Not as durable or persistent as L. acuminata. Zone 3.
New leaves and flowers of Luzula acuminata grow out of old basal foliage in late April.
Luzula echinata blooms in late March at Tony Avent's Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Luzula nivea (Linnaeus) De Candolle
Snowy wood rush, snow rush Native to central and southern Europe, commonly in alpine regions. Similar to Luzula luzuloides, but the flowers are typically lighter, whiter. Loosely tufted and slowly rhizoma-tous. Narrow green basal leaves less than % inch (6 mm) wide with conspicuously hairy margins. Flowering stalks to 24 inches (60 cm) tall in early summer, with dense clusters of off-white to near-white flowers that become increasingly pendulous as seeds mature. Durable and useful as a ground-cover in sun or partial shade. Of easy culture in moist or moderately dry soil. Zone 6.'Schneehaschen' (little snow hare). Flower clusters near-white.
'Snowbird'. Flower clusters near-white.
Luzula pilosa (Linnaeus) Willdenow
Hairy wood rush This Eurasian native is nearly identical to the North American species Luzula acuminata and considered synonymous with it by many authorities. Plants of European provenance may not be as winter hardy as plants from colder parts of North America. Zone 5.Luzula sylvatica (Hudson) Gaudin [Luzula maxima (Reichard) De Candolle] Greater wood rush Native to woodlands, moorlands, streamsides, and other typically acidic habitats in the British Isles, and also in western, central, and southern Europe, the Caucasus, and Turkey. The largest of the wood rushes. Glossy green basal leaves up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide with hairy margins. Forms large clumps that increase fairly rapidly by rhizomes and is capable of creating a continuous mat. The most durable and long-lived wood rush for groundcover use. Blooms in spring. Upright inflorescences to 20 inches (50 cm) tall with loose, open flower clusters. Adaptable to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions in shade or partial sun. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or early autumn. Zone 4.
'Aurea'. Golden wood rush. Leaves yellow-green. Zone 6. 'Hohe Tatra' (high Tatra). Leaves to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, the widest available. A selection by Herman Mussel from the Tatra Mountains.
Luzula multiflora grows in moss in light shade on a rock outcrop near Pawling, New York, blooming in late May
Luzula nivea 'Schneehaschen' in mid July in New York.
Luzula nivea leaf margins are finely hairy.
'Marginata'. Leaf margins neatly cream-white variegated. 'Schattenlicht' (shadow light). Leaves dark green with fine white longitudinal stripes.
'Taggart's Cream'. New growth is nearly white, gradually darkening to green. Zone 5.
'Tauernpass'. A wide-leaved green selection by Heinz Klose.
Melica Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Melic
Includes nearly 80 perennial, clump-forming species native to sunny, dry, stony slopes and shaded woodlands in temperate regions around the world with the exception of Australia. Melic grasses are pronounced cool-season growers, beginning growth with the onset of winter rains. Many contribute showy cream-white flowers to the spring landscape, then go dormant or semidormant when summer heat sets in. The foliage is light or dark green and often unremarkable, and summer-dormant plants that become unkempt may be cut back to the ground. Though the European, African, and South American species are most established in cultivation, the California species are highly attractive grasses that deserve wider attention, especially in dry regions. Propagation is best by seed. Some species self-sow, but manageably.Melica altissima Linnaeus Siberian melic
Native to shrubby thickets and forest borders from central and eastern Europe to Siberia. Mostly upright with leafy stems, to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall when flowering in late spring or early summer. Grows most upright in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Of easy culture in moist or moderately dry soil. Summer dormant in hot climates. Self-sows manageably. Zone 5.
The wide leaves of Luzula sylvatica 'Hohe Tatra' with a one-Euro coin (7/8 inch or 23 mm in diameter) for scale.
Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' blooms in early May below a venerable redbud tree at Springwood, the Lightys' garden in Pennsylvania.
Luzula sylvatica 'Hohe Tatra' in late August in dense shade in the Sich-tungsgarten in Weihenstephan, Germany.
'Alba'. Spikelets opening white, fading to tan.
'Atropurpurea'. Spikelets mauve-colored, fading to tan.
Melica californica Scribner
California melic The most dramatic of the California species, occurring naturally in a wide range of habitats including sunny meadows, dry rocky slopes, and open, dry or slightly moist woodlands. Upright and 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) tall when flowering in spring. The narrow inflorescences are shimmering white when opening, eventually drying to tan, and often remaining upright and attractive even as plants enter partial or full summer dormancy in hot, dry regions. Of easy culture on a wide range of soils. Best in full sun or very light shade. Drought-tolerant. Propagate by seed. Zone 8.Melica ciliata Linnaeus
Hairy melic grass, silky-spike melic Native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. Leaves narrow, medium green, mostly basal. Appearing in late spring or early summer, the flowering stems are upright and arching, forming graceful fans of light cream-white flower spikes to 2 feet (60 cm) in height that fade to tan and remain attractive for a month or more. Compact and relatively low growing. A delightful addition to the early season landscape. Prefers sun or light shade, moist or moderately dry soil. Partly or fully summer dormant in warmer climates. Individual plants are often relatively short-lived. Self-sows manageably. Zone 6.
Melica altissima in late July at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex, England
Melica californica begins flowering in early April at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California.
The rounded form of Melica ciliata fits perfectly into the curve of a stone path at Wave Hill in New York in late June.
Melica ciliata is extraordinarily luminous when sidelit in late June at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Melica macra in late Jul y at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England.
Melica imperfecta Trinius
Coast range melic, foothill melic, little California melic Primarily coastal in its distribution, this upright species is native on dunes and dry rocky hillsides and in open woods in Southern California and Mexico. Grows to 2 feet (60 cm) tall when flowering in early spring. The inflorescences are branched and somewhat open and not as narrowly spikelike or dramatically white as some others. Still, this grass is a graceful addition to meadow gardens and other informal designs. Easy to grow from seed in sun or very light shade. Zone 8.Melica macra Nees
This clump-forming perennial is native to sunny habitats in South America. Grows 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall when flowering in late spring or summer. The narrow spikelike inflorescences open bright white and fade to tan. Foliage is darkgreen, narrow, and finely tapered. Stems typically become lax after flowering, often attractive in their recline. Of easy culture in full sun. Propagate by seed. Zone 8.Melinis P. Beauvois
Grass family, Poaceae The commonly cultivated Melinis species were formerly included in the genus Rhynchelytrum; however, recent taxo-nomic studies have shown that the distinction between the two is artificial and that the oldest name, Melinis, is now used for all. Includes 20 or more annual and perennial species native to open grasslands, savannahs, and other dry habitats, primarily in Africa but also in western Asia. A few species are widely naturalized in disturbed habitats far beyond their original range, most notably M. repens, which is considered a pernicious weed in many warm regions. This and the other commonly cultivated species, M. nerviglumis, are primarily warm-season growers with limited cold hardiness. Though both are perennial, they are most often grown as annuals in cool-temperate and cold-temperate climates. Flowering varies with culture. Plants grown in the ground in warm regions will typically bloom in summer. Plants set out as annuals in cooler climates require a couple of months of vegetative growth before blooming in late summer or autumn. Plants grown under glass can be timed to bloom in winter.Melinis nerviglumis (Franchet) Zizka [Rhynchelytrum nerviglume (Franchet) Chiovenda] Ruby grass, pink crystals ruby grass This perennial species is of southern African origin. Its more intense flower color and clump-forming habit make it a better garden subject than Melinis repens; however, it is not as cold hardy. Much of the material in cultivation was originally introduced as seed obtained in the 1980s by Gayle Weinstein, then on the Denver Botanic Gardens staff, from the Drakens-berg Botanic Garden in Harrismith, South Africa. The foliage of this material is blue-green and the flowers deep ruby-red to pink-purple at first, opening to iridescent pink. Grows 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) high in flower. Plants are often marketed with the name "Pink Crystals"; however, this is a common name, not a clonal cultivar name. In cold regions it is best to start plants indoors and set them out early in the season, for flowering in mid summer to autumn. Best in full sun. Very drought tolerant. Best propagated by seed. Zone 9.
Melinis repens (Willdenow) Zizka [Rhynchelytrum repens (Willdenow) C. Hubbard, R. roseum (Nees) Stapf & C. Hubbard, Tricholaena repens (Willdenow) A. S. Hitchcock, T. rosea Nees] Ruby grass, Natal ruby grass Though more cold hardy than Melinis nerviglumis, this species, which is probably of African origin, is not as intensely colorful in flower and has definite weedy tendencies, spreading both by seed and by vegetative means. It can be quite stunning when planted in large sweeps or masses; however, its potential for naturalizing warrants caution in warm climates where it is perennial. Grows to 3 feet (90 cm) tall in full sun. Very drought tolerant. Best propagated by seed. Zone 8.
Flowers of Melinis nerviglumis open deep pink to pink-purple
Melinis nerviglumis in late June at Leaning Pine Arboretum in San Luis Obispo, California..
Melinis nerviglumis flower detail explains why this grass is often sold as "pink crystals."
Melinis repens flowers in a sweep at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, in late June.
Merxmuellera Conert
Grass family, Poaceae Named for German botanist Hermann Merxmuller. Comprises 16 perennial clump-forming species native to very dry, open habitats in southern Africa, often in mountains.Merxmuellera macowanii (Stapf) Conert [Danthonia macowanii Stapf]
This large, distinctly attractive species is native to mountain regions in southern Africa, often occurring in large masses, and often near waterways in moist habitats. Clump-forming and evergreen, it forms a neat rounded mound of narrow blue-green foliage to 3 feet (90 cm) high, topped by narrow flower panicles in spring or summer and reaching a total height of 5 feet (1.5 m). Though still rare in cultivation in Western gardens, it has been a persistent and dramatic presence in the grass collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England for many years, and deserves more attention in gardens. Propagate by seed, or by division during cooler, moist times of the year. Zone 8, possibly colder.Milium Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Wood millet, millet Includes four annual and perennial species widely distributed in the world's temperate regions, typically growing in mixed woods but also in open, often dry habitats. This genus does not include the millet grasses that are important cereal grains, which primarily represent Sorghum species but also belong in other genera including Panicum and Setaria.
Milium effusum Linnaeus Wood millet
This species is native to temperate and subarctic regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Two very similar-looking botanical varieties are often recognized, the typical one being a Eurasian native and the other, Milium effusum var. cisatlanticum Fernald, a native of eastern North American woodlands. Forms with bright yellow spring foliage have long been cultivated and the origin of this material is uncertain, but most of it is probably European. A cool-season grower, wood millet blooms in early spring and sometimes goes dormant or partly dormant in mid-summer heat, especially if conditions are dry. With shade and moist soil, plants will remain green through the growing season. Typically 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) tall in flower. Mostly clump-forming but capable of spreading by rhizomes. Propagated most easily by seed. Zone 5.
Merxmuellera macowanii in late July at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England.
Detail of Milium effusum 'Aureum' foliage.
Milium effusum 'Au-reum' blooms in early May at Heronswood Nursery in Kingston, Washington.
'Aureum'. Golden wood millet, Bowles' golden grass. New spring foliage is among the clearest, brightest yellow of all the grasses. The color darkens to yellow-green or green as the season progresses, especially in warmer climates. Prefers light shade and constant moisture, though it can be sited in full sun in cool climates. Seedlings often retain the yellow foliage trait. Zone 5.
Miscanthus Andersson
Grass family, Poaceae
Miscanthus, eulalia, Japanese silver grass, susuki zoku The genus name is derived from the Greek mischos, stalk, and anthos, flower, referring to the stalked spikelets. Comprises approximately 20 perennial, warm-season species native to eastern and southeastern Asia in a wide variety of open habitats including coastal lowlands, marshes, mountain sides, and forest edges. African species formerly included in Miscanthus are now generally placed in Miscanthidium Stapf.Miscanthus is known as susuki in Japan, which is the center of origin of most cultivated Miscanthus species. It is much celebrated there in traditional art and, along with Japanese maples, as a symbol of autumn. It has also been traditionally used in the roof thatching of residences and temples.
Miscanthus has been popular in Western gardens for more than a century, and there is good reason for this. As a group among ornamental grasses, miscanthus is unsurpassed in the beauty and diversity of its flowers, foliage, autumn color, and winter presence, and in its extraordinary adaptability to myriad garden purposes. It is also capable of thriving in some of the most challenging cultural conditions imaginable and can play a genuine role in reducing maintenance and water use in many designed landscapes.
The prolonged enthusiasm for miscanthus has led to the selection of more than a hundred cultivated varieties, many of which are still available commercially. Its winning attributes have been enhanced by selection and breeding in recent years, and this has contributed to a still-increasing popularity. While most of the acclaim is well deserved, there is one major caveat, and that is that miscanthus is increasingly demonstrating a potential for naturalizing and playing a role in ecological disturbance far beyond its native range.
Miscanthus is highly competitive in moist, sunny temperate and subtropical regions. Near monocultures of Miscanthus species in parts of Japan and Southeast Asia demonstrate the vigor of this grass and hint at its potential under similar conditions elsewhere in the world. As always, the risk of ecological invasiveness is a regional matter, and strategies for responsible management of this risk must be regionally constructed. For example, Miscanthus species pose little or no threat in England, where the growing season lacks the warmth and duration of sunlight required for significant production of fertile seed. Cooler parts of North America such as the Northeast north of upper New York State, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest are also low-risk to no-risk regions. Arid parts of the United States including New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California offer plenty of heat but not enough water, and except in riparian areas there is little or no potential for Miscanthus to naturalize.
The situation in the mid Atlantic and southeastern United States is entirely different. These areas most closely approximate the native habitat of miscanthus, offering fertile soils, long growing seasons, and plenty of moisture, and there are already numerous instances where Miscanthus sinensis has naturalized and begun to dominate regional ecosystems. Ironically, the invasive potential of miscanthus has been enhanced by horticultural development. Antique cultivars of miscanthus including 'Gracillimus', 'Variegatus', and 'Zeb-rinus' require relatively long growing seasons if they are to flower at all, and their seeds rarely mature in regions where they flower very late in autumn.
Many recent introductions were developed for their ability to flower in short seasons, and this group includes many of the striking selections from Pagels Nursery in northern Germany. These are superb new choices for northern Europe, England, and colder zones in the United States, finally allowing gardeners in these places to enjoy the plumy magnificence of miscanthus. Unfortunately, these same selections have proved to be prolific self-sowers in warmer regions. They readily naturalize in and out of the garden, posing a threat to regional ecosystems and often becoming genuine nuisances in meadow gardens and other manicured landscapes. The most responsible approach in these areas is to choose later blooming, less fertile cultivars, to select seed-sterile cultivars, or to substitute other less problematic grasses that will serve similar purposes. For example, North American native warm-season grasses such as Panicum and Muhlen-bergia species are beautiful and versatile, and new selections of these are greatly enriching the choices available to contemporary gardeners.
Miscanthus species are often capable of hybridizing, and there is real potential for the deliberate hybridization and development of sterile polyploids. Such work could enrich the garden palette of miscanthus while reducing the risk of undesirable ecological ramifications.
True warm-season growers, miscanthus grasses are late-starting in spring but grow with increasing vigor as summer warmth arrives. They grow most luxuriant in warm, moist situations and are undeterred by high humidity. They are of easy culture on a wide variety of soils from loose sands to heavy clays, and can withstand periods of inundation or considerable droughts. Excess fertility or irrigation will cause overly lush, lax, and floppy growth, as will siting in too much shade. Most species and cultivars prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade.
The genus includes clump-formers such as Miscanthus sinensis and strongly rhizomatous types such as M. sacchariflo-rus. Individual plants live for many years, but older clumps will eventually die out in their centers and should be renewed by taking divisions from the perimeter of the clump. Divide or transplant in spring or early summer, or in autumn in milder climates. Mature specimens of the larger miscan-thus cultivars are often too large for smaller residential gardens, and periodic division is a frequently employed method of reducing the plant size while retaining the desirable attributes of form and flowering. A sharp spade is an indispensable tool for such tasks. Be cautious of the often sharp-edged leaves, especially common to M. sinensis, which can cause minor but irritating cuts to hands and face.
Seed propagation is easy but is not appropriate for the clonal cultivars. Miscanthus blooms from mid summer into autumn, the timing varying with species and cultivars. The flowers typically open with red tints, becoming silvery and fluffy on drying, and usually remaining attractive through winter. Cold hardiness varies with species and cultivated varieties.
Miscanthus floridulus (Labillardiere) Warburg
Giant miscanthus, Tokiwa susuki This is the largest species, capable of growing more than 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, with broad, coarse leaves to 1% inches (32 mm) wide. It is native to lowlands in warmer parts of southern Japan, and also to Taiwan and the Pacific islands. The inflorescences have a dominant central rachis, a character which distinguishes this from other Asian Miscanthus species. Although common and often occurring in extensive populations in its native range, this species is uncommon in cultivation in Western gardens. Plants offered commercially as M. floridulus in fact represent a plant of obscure origin that is now confirmed to be a hybrid which has been described and published as M. xgiganteus. True M. floridulus is less cold hardy than M. sinensis but is a statuesque plant that deserves further attention in appropriate regions. Zone 7, possibly colder with the introduction of plants from colder provenance.
Miscanthus floridulus (right) dwarfs M. sinensis (left) in mid December at the Awaji Landscape Planning and Horticulture Academy in Hyogo, Japan.
'Karl Foerster'. A selection by German naturalist Karl Partsch from a population growing around a bog in Japan's Alps, on Honshu, a location outside the normal range of this species. It promises increased cold hardiness but is yet untested for areas colder than Zone 7.
Miscanthus Xgiganteus Greef & Deuter
Giant miscanthus This magnificent and long-popular garden plant has had a tortuous nomenclatural history which has finally arrived at a firm conclusion and a durable name. It has been traced to plants received from Yokohama, Japan, in the 1930s by Danish botanist Aksel Olsen. German nurseryman Karl Foer-ster obtained divisions in time to list it in his 1935 catalog as Miscanthus sinensis 'Giganteus'. Foerster later began using the name M. floridulus to describe the plant. Recent studies have proved it to be a hybrid (a triploid with 57 chromosomes) between M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. This accounts for the grass having intermediate characters between the two. The flowers resemble those of M. sacchariflorus, but this grass lacks the rhizomatous spread of that species. Miscanthus xgiganteus is an upright clump-former growing nearly 10 feet (3 m) when blooming. The leaves are deep green, 1 inch (25 mm) wide, and typically pendant, giving the overall effect of a large fountain. Trials have confirmed that it does not produce sterile seeds, and therefore it must be propagated by division. It blooms in late summer, the flowers opening light pink and quickly drying to silver. The lowest foliage frequently turns brown or dies in late summer, so it is often best to place companion plantings in front to mask this. Prefers full sun and average to moist soil, though is quite drought-tolerant. Zone 4.
The strong central ra-chis present in inflorescences of Miscanthus floridulus is evident in this mid-December photo in Japan.
Though it rarely blooms in England, Miscanthus xgiganteus 'Aksel Olsen' has remarkable stature, form, and texture, seen here in late July at Great Dixter in Northiam, England.
Miscanthus xgiganteus 'Aksel Olsen' in flower in early October at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
Miscanthus xgiganteus 'J u-bilar' at the Royal Horticultural Society garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England, in late August.
Detail of Miscanthus xgiganteus 'Jubilar' foliage
Miscanthus nepalensis opens metallic gold in late August at Beth Chatto's garden in Colchester, England
'Aksel Olsen'. This name is now generally used to refer to the material long-established in cultivation that can be traced back to Danish botanist Aksel Olsen in the 1930s. Other plants resulting from similar hybridization of Miscanthus sac-chariflorus and M. sinensis would merit distinct cultivar names or any of these plants can be simply called M. xgiganteus.
'Jubilar'. Leaves longitudinally striped yellow-green. Originated as a sport of Miscanthus xgiganteus 'Aksel Olsen'. Identical in all other characters.
Miscanthus nepalensis (Trinius) Hackel
Himalaya fairy grass Native to the Himalayas and Burma. Green-leaved, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall in flower, with distinctively drooping gold-tinted inflorescences. Recent introductions from higher elevations have produced plants that are more robust and cold hardy than earlier collections. These appear to be reliable in southern England and may prove hardy in colder regions.Miscanthus oligostachyus Stapf
Kari yasu modoki Much smaller than Miscanthus sinensis, usually less than 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in bloom, with a more open habit. Leaves are shorter, approximately V inch (12 mm) wide, and are relatively soft and thin in substance. They are also very flat,with a less pronounced white midrib than M. sinensis. Blooms relatively early in summer, usually in July or August. The inflorescences are sparsely branched and not nearly as full and fluffy as the larger species. Fall color often includes bronze-red tones. Useful for its compact size, tolerance of light shade, and exceptional cold hardiness. Variegated forms have been selected in Japan and are grown in specialty gardens; however, few if any of these have Western cultivar names and they are still rare outside Japan. Propagate by seed or division. Generally does not self-sow. Zone 4.
Miscanthus nepalensis in mid August in the Temperate House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England.
Miscanthus oli-gostachyus in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Photographed in Japan in early November, this is one of a few variegated selections of Miscanthus oligostachyus that do not have Western cultivar names and are rare outside of Japan
Miscanthus oligostachyus in late August at the Westpark in Munich, Germany.
Miscanthus 'Purpurascens'
Autumn flame miscanthus Though it is still uncertain what species this plant represents, it remains one of the most beautiful and useful of all miscan-thus. It offers small size, upright stature, early flowering, exceptional cold hardiness, and in many parts of the world, the most reliable red-orange autumn color. In addition to this, it rarely if ever produces fertile seed, making it a safe choice for those who want to grow miscanthus but are concerned about seeding beyond the garden.Propagated by division, this clonal cultivar began with seed obtained from Japan in the 1960s as Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson by Hans Simon of Germany. Modern classification includes this species within M. sinensis; however, M. 'Purpurascens' does not represent that species. This plant is known as M. 'Herkules' in Germany; however, it is of minor importance there since it rarely attains fall color in Germany's climatic conditions. It is possibly a hybrid involving M. oligostachyus, but further research, including chromosome studies, is necessary to confirm this.
In climates such as the eastern United States it blooms by August, growing to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall in flower. The narrowly vertical inflorescences open with the slightest pink tint but quickly turn silvery. Leaves are V inch (12 mm) wide and slightly gray-green. One of the most reliably upright mis-canthus, rarely lodging or flopping even when growing in light shade. Prefers full sun and average to moist soil. Not as drought-tolerant as Miscanthus sinensis. A similar, but smaller plant was once available as 'Herbstfeuer' (autumn fire); however, it proved lacking in vigor and is now generally unavailable. Zone 4.
A vast sweep of Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' catches the morning light in early October at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' lives up to its common name, autumn flame miscanthus, in late September at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska.
Miscanthus sacchar iflorus in late August at Long-wood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Miscanthus sacchari-florus 'Gotemba' in mid September in Pennsylvania.
Inflorescences of Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' are characteristically narrow and upright.
Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Maximowicz) Bentham
Silver banner grass, Amur silver grass, ogi Common to wet places in lowlands of Japan, also Manchuria, Korea, and northern China. Distinguished primarily by its stout rhizomes and strongly running habit. Blooms relatively early in summer, typically by August, growing to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall in flower. Narrower and more upright than those of Miscanthus sinensis, the inflorescences are held well above the foliage, opening silver and becoming fluffy white upon drying, and remaining attractive through most of winter. Leaves up to 1% inches (32 mm) wide, with pronounced white midrib. The lower foliage often turns brown during summer dry periods. The running habit can be useful for colonizing large sites such as parking lot berms or banks of ponds but can be extremely difficult to control in smaller gardens. Self-sows. Zone 4.'Gotemba'. Leaves mostly variegated yellow and yellow-green, with darker green longitudinal stripes. Introduced in Japan by Kenji Watanabe's Gotemba nursery. Barry Yinger established the name in Western horticulture to recognize its origin. Though it spreads vigorously by rhizomes, it has never flowered in more than a decade of cultivation in Pennsylvania.
'Robustus'. An early, superfluous cultivar name for an already robust species.