Compare plants.

Chinese silvergrass and Little bluestem: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Chinese silvergrass Miscanthus sinensis	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia	Much of North AmericaSee state guides
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade	Full sun
Soil moisture
Average moisture; tolerates dry or occasionally wet soil	Dry soil / Average moisture
Mature height
4–12 ft	2–4 ft
Mature spread
4–6 ft	1½–3 ft
USDA hardiness zones
5–9	3–9
Season of interest
Late summer–fall plumes; winter structure	Fall–winter
Garden & wildlife value
Birds are attracted to its seeds.	Native grass blades feed skipper caterpillars, and standing clumps shelter wildlife through winter.
Growing notes
A tall, clumping grass that can spread by seed. Size and seed production vary among cultivars.	Plant in full sun and lean, well-drained soil; rich soil or too much water can make it flop.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: USGS

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.