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Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is a genetic diploid (2n = 38) with a genome size of 1C = 2.4-2.6 Gb.Chinese silvergrass, an exotic species, has been found in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island and has escaped from cultivation into disturbed areas. This very large grass is a favorite ornamental. In its native Japan, it is often the dominant species in grasslands. Although it can multiply by rhizomes, its growth form tends to be clumped, unlike its congener, M. sacchariflorus. It can hybridize with its congener to form Miscanthus × giganteus. There is concern, particularly in southeastern states, that this species has high potential to become invasive.