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Maiden grass and Blue grama: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia	Western and central North America, from Canada to MexicoSee state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Full sun
Soil moisture
Average moisture; tolerates dry or occasionally wet soil	Dry soil
Mature height
4–12 ft	6–24 in
Mature spread
4–6 ft	1½–2 ft
USDA hardiness zones
5–9	3–10
Season of interest
Late summer–fall plumes; winter structure	Summer–fall
Garden & wildlife value
Birds are attracted to its seeds.	A low native prairie grass brings lasting ground-level cover to a dry garden.
Growing notes
A tall, clumping grass that can spread by seed. Size and seed production vary among cultivars.	Much shorter than maiden grass. Needs sunny, well-drained ground and takes only light foot traffic if used as a lawn alternative.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.