WSU Clark County Extension

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Morning Light Japanese Silver Grass

Scientific name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Taxonomy
Family:Poaceae
Type:Ornamental grasses
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 10
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:6 ft
Width:4 ft
Bloom:Fall flowers
Bloom Time:September to October
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Morning Light Japanese Silver Grass is sold widely in the trade for its green and white striped foliage that gives the plant a silvery appearance.

  Morphology:
A clump forming ornamental grass that attains a height 6’ and a spread of 4’. The leaf stems form an upright arching plant. The leaves are only 3/16” wide with distinctive white edges on green background.

Flowers start to emerge in the fall. They are reddish bronze plumes that mature to a fluffy cream color.

  Adaptation:
This grass prefers full sun and moist fertile soil. Once established it should hold well to drought, wind and snow. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut old stems to the ground in late winter to early spring


  Pests:
No frequently occurring insect or disease problems.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234