Practical
Plants

Miscanthus sinensis

Eulalia

a perennial member of the Miscanthus genus in the family Gramineae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Gramineae
Life cycle
perennial
Height
4 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Immature flowering spike[2][5]. No further details are given.

Plant part
Stem

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The juice of young stems is used to disperse poisons, dissolve blood clots, dissipate extravasated blood and remove inflammation[8]. The plant is diuretic and refrigerant[3][8].

Product or use
Anticoagulant
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Febrifuge

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Being increasingly grown as a source of biomass, trials are currently (1992) taking place on its potential in Britain[K]. Plants form impenetrably dense clumps and when planted close together in drifts make an excellent ground cover[7].

Product or use
Biomass

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat
Moist meadows on slopes in lowland and mountains all over Japan[10][7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse and keep moist. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or early autumn[7]. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out in summer[7] but succeeds in any ordinary soil that is not too dry[1][4], in sun or light shade[7]. Fully dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[6], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Often grown as an ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[4]. Many forms do not get enough summer heat to flower freely when they are grown in Britain, 'Silberfeder' (syn 'Silver Feather') is the most free-flowering in cooler climates[6]. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[9]. The leaves have saw-toothed edges that can cut the unwary gardener, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[7]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[9].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  3. ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X

    ↩

  4. Grounds. R. Ornamental Grasses. Christopher Helm 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-7470-1219-9

    ↩1↩2

  5. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  6. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  8. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2

  9. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2

  10. Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00

    ↩

Edit this page