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Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus transmorrisonensis), whole plant
  • Chinese Silver Grass — close-up of leaves and flowers
  • Chinese Silver Grass — seasonal appearance
  • Chinese Silver Grass in a garden setting

Chinese Silver Grass

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis

Easy · Beginner friendly

About Chinese Silver Grass

Evergreen Miscanthus is a Taiwanese ornamental grass reaching 4-6 feet tall in tight clumps of fine arching green leaves. Unlike most Miscanthus species it remains evergreen in mild climates, retaining its foliage year-round in USDA zones 7-10. In late summer through fall it produces graceful copper-bronze plumes that age to silvery-tan. A choice grass for Mediterranean and West Coast American gardens where year-round structure is valued.

  • Drought-tolerant
  • Architectural
  • Evergreen
WATER
Regular
Top inch dry
LIGHT
Full sun
6+ hrs direct
HARDY
Hardy to 0°F (-18°C)
USDA hardiness zones 7–10

How to care for Chinese Silver Grass

Watering

  • Springevery 14 days
  • Summerevery 14 days
  • Fallevery 21 days
  • Winterevery 30 days

Soil · Well-draining

  • Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
  • Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
  • DrainageLECA / gravel20%

Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.

FERTILIZER

  • Springevery 60 days
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At a Glance

  • NativeEast Asia
  • Height4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m)
  • Spread3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m)
  • Flower colorOrange, Cream
  • Foliage colorDark-green
  • SoilLoamy, Well-drained
  • LocationsYard

Bloom time

BLOOM CYCLE

Peak bloom

Aug–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Copper-bronze plumes late summer to fall

Toxicity

Humans Safe · Pets Safe

None reported

Safe

EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.

EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.

NOTE Listed as non-toxic for humans; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.

Safe

EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.

EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.

NOTE Listed as non-toxic for dogs; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.

Safe

EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.

EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.

NOTE Listed as non-toxic for cats; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.

Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

DISTRIBUTION

Chinese Silver Grass · Native
  • Native
  • Introduced
  • East Asia

History

Illustrated historical scene for Chinese Silver Grass

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis, commonly called evergreen miscanthus or Taiwan silvergrass, is a tufted perennial grass in the family Poaceae endemic to the high mountains of Taiwan, particularly Mount Morrison (Yushan) and surrounding peaks above 2800 meters elevation. Japanese botanist Bunzo Hayata described the species in 1918 (epithet means 'across Morrison' referencing Mount Morrison). The species is unusual among Miscanthus for its near-evergreen habit—in mild winter climates the foliage remains green, unlike the fully dormant Miscanthus sinensis.

Plants form relatively compact 1-1.5 meter (flowering to 2-2.5 meter) clumps of narrow dark green arching leaves and produce graceful silver-white fan-shaped terminal plumes from summer into fall. The species was introduced to Western cultivation from Taiwanese expeditions in the late 20th century and gained popularity in California and Mediterranean climates for landscape use where its evergreen habit is an advantage.

Propagates only by division since it rarely sets viable seed. Introduced to American horticulture in the late 20th century by plant explorers seeking cold-hardy evergreen grasses. Increasingly popular in California and Pacific Northwest landscape design.

Symbolism & meaning

What It Symbolizes

Chinese Silver Grass expresses endurance as a rare evergreen Miscanthus, holding its fine arching foliage through milder winters when its cousins have collapsed into straw. Its grace lies in those long silvery leaves and copper plumes, catching every angle of low autumn light. An ornamental grass that refuses to fully take winter off.

  • Endurance — rare evergreen Miscanthus
  • Grace — fine arching foliage and copper plumes

Where the Name Comes From

The name Chinese Silver Grass describes its grasslike foliage. 'Transmorrisonensis' refers to the Mount Morrison (Yushan) region of Taiwan.

Uses & Fun Facts

  • Evergreen arching clumps with copper plumes for mild West Coast gardens
  • Year-round structural grass for Mediterranean climate landscapes

Related plants

More Miscanthus plants

Plants with similar care

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Chinese Silver Grass?

In summer, water about every 14 days; in winter, about every 30 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.

How much light does Chinese Silver Grass need?

Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.

Is Chinese Silver Grass toxic to cats or dogs?

Pets Safe (Dogs Safe · Cats Safe) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

Is Chinese Silver Grass easy to grow?

Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.

When does Chinese Silver Grass bloom?

It typically blooms Aug–Nov in the Northern Hemisphere.

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