Maiden Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'
ABOUT
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten' is an ornamental grass known for its attractive and compact form. The plant has narrow, fine-textured foliage that gracefully arches, creating a fountain-like appearance. The leaves are typically green, and as the season progresses, they take on pleasing shades of bronze or gold, especially in the autumn. This foliage provides a striking contrast against other plants in a garden setting. One of the most remarkable features of 'Little Kitten' is its silky, feathery plumes. The flowers emerge in late summer or early fall, starting out with a pinkish or silvery color and gradually turning into a light tan as they mature and the seasons change. These plumes are held above the foliage on stiff stems and they persist through winter, offering a delightful visual interest even in dormant seasons. The overall texture of 'Little Kitten' gives a soft, lush appearance to landscapes, and despite its compact nature, it is known to sway gently even with the slightest breeze, adding movement to the garden. This plant's visual appeal is complemented by its versatility and adaptability, making it a favored choice for gardeners looking to add rhythm and soft structure to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Maiden Grass, Eulalia, Japanese Silver Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Zebra Grass.
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'
ToxicityTo humans
The Maiden Grass is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant risk associated with touching or ingesting the plant, and it doesn't typically cause any symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, ingestion of this ornamental grass should not result in any serious consequences for humans.
To pets
The Maiden Grass is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if pets ingest parts of this plant. However, like any plant material, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. In most cases, pets will not experience any significant health issues from consuming the Maiden Grass.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Size: 'Little Kitten' grass is a dwarf variety, well-suited for smaller gardens and spaces where larger grasses wouldn't fit.
- Ornamental Value: It offers visual interest with its fine-textured foliage and graceful, arching form.
- Seasonal Interest: Producing silvery tassels in late summer that provide autumn and winter appeal.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those seeking low-effort landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Adaptability: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not favored by deer, which makes it suitable for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten', or maiden grass, can serve as a sound barrier in a garden, muffling noises from streets and neighbors when planted in dense hedges or clumps.
- This maiden grass is sometimes used in handcrafted paper production, as fibers from the plant can be incorporated to create unique textures and patterns.
- Maiden grass can be used as biofuel; this environmentally friendly alternative energy source is being researched for its high biomass output.
- In areas prone to erosion, maiden grass can be planted to help stabilize soil with its extensive root system.
- The grass can be weaved into mats or screens, an age-old technique for creating natural barriers or decorative panels.
- Dried stems of maiden grass can be bundled and tied together to create eco-friendly brooms for sweeping indoor spaces.
- It can be used as a natural dye source; when processed, the plant can impart a greenish hue to fabrics or other materials.
- Maiden grass clippings can serve as a mulch layer in gardens, providing weed suppression and moisture retention.
- When left to stand during winter, the grass provides essential habitat and food for birds and small wildlife in the form of seeds and shelter.
- The grass is sometimes incorporated into musical instruments like flutes and whistles, where the hollow stems serve as natural resonance chambers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Maiden Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Maiden Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten', also known as Dwarf Maiden Grass, can thrive in various conditions, representing the ability to adapt to changing environments.
- Growth: The plant's moderate growth signifies steady progress and personal development over time.
- Resilience: Dwarf Maiden Grass is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, symbolizing resilience and strength.
- Elegance: The fine texture and graceful form of Dwarf Maiden Grass reflects elegance and beauty in simplicity.
- Privacy: When used as a planting screen, this grass symbolizes the desire for privacy and creating one's own peaceful sanctuary.
WaterThe Maiden Grass, commonly known as 'Little Kitten', prefers even moisture throughout the growing season but is tolerant of some drought once established. Water this ornamental grass deeply once a week, providing about 1-1.5 gallons of water each time. Adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions, watering more often during dry, hot periods and reducing during cooler, rainy spells. It is important not to over-water, as standing water can lead to root rot. During the winter months, the plant will require less water, and you can reduce watering to when the soil feels dry to the touch.
LightThe Maiden Grass 'Little Kitten' thrives best in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be in an open area of the garden without shade from trees or buildings, ensuring plenty of bright light to maintain its health and foliage color. It can tolerate some light shade, but its growth might not be as robust or dense.
TemperatureMaiden Grass 'Little Kitten' prefers warmer temperatures and grows best when the temperature ranges between 70°F and 90°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 5°F, making it suitable for USDA zones 5 through 9. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from extreme cold to prevent damage to the foliage and roots.
PruningPruning Maiden Grass 'Little Kitten' should occur in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Cut the foliage down to about 4-6 inches from the ground to allow for fresh growth and maintain the plant's appearance. Pruning annually encourages healthier plants and removes any dead or damaged foliage from the previous growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilMaiden Grass 'Little Kitten' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal, providing sufficient nutrients and drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils to prevent waterlogging and encourage root health.
RepottingMaiden Grass 'Little Kitten' typically doesn't require frequent repotting as it is a garden plant. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years in the spring to provide fresh soil and room for growth.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass 'Little Kitten' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions as it's well-adapted to outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and space for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleMiscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten', commonly known as Maiden Grass, begins its life as a seed, requiring stratification to break dormancy. After germination in the spring, the grass develops a fibrous root system and sends up green shoots that grow into narrow, arching foliage. As the plant matures through the growing season, it forms a compact clump with foliage reaching up to 3 feet in height. By late summer or early fall, the Maiden Grass produces small, delicate flowers that appear as reddish or silver plumes above the foliage. Once pollinated, these flowers produce seeds that can be dispersed by wind. The plant becomes dormant in winter, with the foliage turning a tan color and often remaining ornamental, before resuming growth in the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this ornamental grass. The ideal time for division is in the late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, dig up the entire clump of the grass once the plant is dormant and carefully separate the root mass into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of root attached. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to establish them. This simple vegetative reproduction method maintains the specific characteristics of the 'Little Kitten' variety, ensuring that each new plant is true to form.
