Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) is a popular ornamental grass known for its distinctive striped foliage and low maintenance. However, many gardeners are concerned about its potential to spread aggressively and become invasive. This article clarifies the invasiveness of Zebra Grass and provides guidance for responsible cultivation.
What Makes a Plant Invasive
An invasive plant is a non-native species that establishes, reproduces rapidly, spreads widely, and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species for resources like light, water, and nutrients. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystems. Characteristics contributing to invasiveness include rapid growth rates, high seed production, and the ability to thrive in disturbed soils. Invasive plants often lack natural predators or environmental controls, allowing them to spread unchecked and disrupt ecological balance.
Zebra Grass Invasive Potential
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) is a cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis, also known as Chinese silver grass. While the species Miscanthus sinensis can be invasive in some regions, the ‘Zebrinus’ cultivar generally exhibits lower invasive potential. The species spreads via wind-dispersed viable seeds.
‘Zebrinus’ is less invasive because it produces few viable seeds, especially when grown as an isolated plant. This cultivar is clump-forming, expanding slowly through short rhizomes rather than aggressive runners. While the species Miscanthus sinensis is listed as invasive in some U.S. states, ‘Zebrinus’ is often not classified with the same concern due to its reduced seed fertility. However, even “sterile” cultivars may produce some viable seeds, particularly if cross-pollination occurs with other Miscanthus cultivars nearby.
Managing Potential Invasive Spread
Even with cultivars like ‘Zebrinus’, gardeners can manage potential spread. Deadheading, which involves removing flower plumes before they release seeds, significantly reduces self-seeding. For established clumps, division every few years helps control the plant’s size and vigor. Dispose of plant material properly, avoiding compost piles or natural areas where it could root or spread. Monitor the surrounding area for any volunteer seedlings for early removal.
Non-Invasive Grass Alternatives
For gardeners concerned about invasiveness or preferring native options, several non-invasive ornamental grasses offer similar aesthetic appeal. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a native, warm-season grass with fine-textured foliage that turns mahogany-red in fall. It grows 18-24 inches tall, with stems up to 5 feet, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a native, clump-forming perennial, reaches 3 to 10 feet. It offers reddish-purple seedheads, turns yellow in fall, and adapts to various soil and moisture conditions.
Newer, sterile Miscanthus cultivars like ‘Bandwidth’ or ‘My Fair Maiden’ produce no viable seeds, offering the classic Miscanthus look without spread concerns.