WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images

Zebra Grass

Scientific name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'
Taxonomy
Family:Poaceae
Type:Ornamental grasses
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:6 ft
Width:4 ft
Bloom:Fall flowers
Bloom Time:September to October
Bloom Color:Pink
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Zebra grass received its common name because of the creamy white spots that develop along the leaf blades.

  Morphology:
This is an ornamental grass that grows to 5’ to 8' in height and 3’-4’ in width. It has an upright clumping habit. This type of grass has a arching habit . The leaf blades are green with irregularly spaced yellow, zebra-striped, horizontal bands which appear at irregular intervals.

Zebra Grass does best with a long hot growing season in order to form flowers. When flowers do appear they form pinkish copper plumes that appear in early fall. As the seeds mature, they become fluffy and are a great accent to the tan winter foliage.

Remove old growth in early spring before new growth emerges.

  Adaptation:
Sun to partial shade. Prefers moist soil and flourishes in moist soil to standing shallow water. In a landscape setting, multiple plants are often set in groups.

  Pests:
No frequently occurring insect or disease problems.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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