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Maiden grass and Bluebunch wheatgrass: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia	Alaska to W. & Central U.S.A. and N. Mexico.See 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	1½–4 ft
Mature spread
4–6 ft	Clump-forming
USDA hardiness zones
5–9	Choose nursery stock suited to local winters.
Season of interest
Late summer–fall plumes; winter structure	Seasonal foliage & seedheads
Garden & wildlife value
Birds are attracted to its seeds.	Deep native roots help stabilize dry ground while the foliage feeds grazing wildlife.
Growing notes
A tall, clumping grass that can spread by seed. Size and seed production vary among cultivars.	Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged or strongly acidic soil.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.