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

COMMON CHOICE Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Blue wildrye Elymus glaucus
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia	N. America to NW. Mexico.See state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Part sun & shade
Soil moisture
Average moisture; tolerates dry or occasionally wet soil	Average moisture / Dry soil
Mature height
4–12 ft	Up to 5 ft
Mature spread
4–6 ft	Upright bunchgrass
USDA hardiness zones
5–9	Choose nursery stock suited to local winters.
Season of interest
Late summer–fall plumes; winter structure	Spring–summer seedheads
Garden & wildlife value
Birds are attracted to its seeds.	Native bunches provide habitat for birds and mammals and help stabilize disturbed ground.
Growing notes
A tall, clumping grass that can spread by seed. Size and seed production vary among cultivars.	Prefers moisture but tolerates dry periods; choose a local ecotype for the site's sun and soil.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.