Miscanthus x Gianteus

[OneCam]

Check out this Warm season grass.

Comparing switch grass on the left and 12' Miscanthus x giganteus on the right

http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/535/Miscanthus.jpg

This would be incredible screening and cover!

http://www.miscanthus.uiuc.edu/wp-content/uploads/growersguide.pdf
http://miscanthus.uiuc.edu/index.php/researchers/rich-pyter/
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/AG201.pdf

Does anyone have any experience with this??

[muddy]

Good Lord... you could almost hang a stand on that stuff.

[OneCam]

Here is a nice growth and standability sequence ...

http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/535/Miscanthus2.jpg

[Fishbonker]

Isn't that the same stuff Travis (Central Iowa) posted awhile back?

You could hide a huge tribe of Fugarwees in that stuff.

The 'Bonker

[JNRBRONC]

I think the following excerpt from the ISU pdf basically throws cold water on it.

Establishment:
• Miscanthus x giganteus produces no
seed, so it must be established vegetatively
by planting divided rhizome
pieces. This process results in high
establishment costs relative to crops
established from seed.
• The planting rate is one transplant
per three square feet or about 4,000
plants per acre.
• As with other vegetatively
propagated crops, dry soil moisture
conditions at and following planting
greatly decrease establishment
success.
A miscanthus stand, shown above center,
takes three to five years to reach full production
during which time the yield increases
each successive year.
• Establishment success may be
limited by death of plants in the first
winter after planting. European
research suggests new plantings of
Miscanthus x giganteus may not survive
where soil temperatures fall below 26˚
F at a depth of one inch, as they do in
Iowa during the winter.
• M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus
plantings have overwintered the first
year in northern Europe where air
temperatures have been as low as 0˚
F. Winter survival is not a problem in
the second and subsequent years.

[OneCam]

It has been successfully grown in Illinois for years for biomass fuel research. I have been told to expect up to a 25% winter kill rate the first of planting. I agree it would be cost prohibitive if planting for cover but for screening it could be the ticket.

I thought I would share a picture taken this weekend of our Miscanthus - this was planted around May 1st.

http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3003/medium/Miscanthus1.JPG

This is one of the more impressive clumps in the bunch

[Fishbonker]

How does it stand up to a snow load? Won't provide much screen if it is flat after the first snow. I don't know if there has been any research on that aspect. Isn't most of it cut in the early fall for biomass?

The 'Bonker

[JNRBRONC]

A thread from the Garden web (http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/grasses/msg1212144432588.html) forum.

[dbltree]

Originally Posted By: JNRBRONC
A thread from the Garden web (http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/grasses/msg1212144432588.html) forum.




Answers to some questions in that link for sure. Interesting possibles if it can survive here.

Anyone find out where to buy the stuff? We need to come up with a name that I can pronounce too...

[Fishbonker]

Good link. Sounds like it stands in winter.

On a related note, I'm thinking of planitng a screen next to my neighbors fence. If it spreads to his side of the fence, and I'm sure it will, if he spays the fence line with weed/grass herbicide of some kind will the plants on my side of the fence die? My concern is the rhizomes connecting all the plants. I suppose if I think about clover and round up it only kills the clover it is directly sprayed on. But what about 24D or other herbacides? Will they flow through the rhizomes and kill the entire patch?

The 'Bonker

[JNRBRONC]

Originally Posted By: dbltree


Anyone find out where to buy the stuff?





Southwest Sod Farm (http://www.southwestsodfarms.com/html/ornamental_grasses.html) Item #30

They are calling it an ornamental, so hang on to your wallet.

[dbltree]

hang on to your wallet.





She's been "hanging" onto it for 30 years Randy...I don't think she's going to give it back either...



I think I need Bonker to teach me how to be a real man

Now I'm interested to see what the spacing is of this stuff and what type of soils it does best in.

Bonker...roundup will kill anything that it contacts the leaves but 2-4D shouldn't affect it. Any grass herbicide that would be absorbed thru the roots would be a problem.

[JNRBRONC]

Originally Posted By: dbltree

Now I'm interested to see what the spacing is of this stuff and what type of soils it does best in

.




Paul,
See the ISU pdf (third link in Chris's post). On page one, third column, it talks of soil. This stuff grows best in "corn soils" and biomass yield is diminished in "poor and droughty soils". Granted I don't think we are looking for maximum biomass yield, but I'd guess the more tonnage it produces, the taller the stand is.

I think I saw where they recommend planting on a three foot grid pattern.

[dbltree]

This stuff grows best in "corn soils" and biomass yield is diminished in "poor and droughty soils". Granted I don't think we are looking for maximum biomass yield, but I'd guess the more tonnage it produces, the taller the stand is.



Sounds a lot like Eastern Gammagrass which, like corn really loves nitrogen for optimum growth.




I did find this from a nursery in England however:



Mammoth Miscanthus
Miscanthus x giganteus
This magnificent screening plant, similar to Bamboo in appearance, forms a thick impenetrable barrier and an excellent wind break that due to the flexibility of its growth actually filters or breaks up the wind unlike rigid physical barriers.

Within 15 months can be 15ft in height!

Rich green Summer foliage is topped by beautiful arching sprays of silky russet pink flowers like a fine pampas grass - have no worry though, these won't seed themselves all over the place! Neither is it invasive like pampas or bamboo. In Winter the foliage takes on a russet gold colour. This really makes a splendid thick bushy screen.

Plant 2 feet apart from mid May - September.
Ultimate height 15 feet. Can be trimmed to any height above 4 feet.
Ultimate width 4 feet. Can be trimmed to any width over 2 feet.
Grows well in most soil types (including chalky and clay) except those prone to laying very wet.

Suitable for most aspects from full sun to partial shade. Does not perform well in dense shade.
Suitable for coastal areas.
Performs well in windy positions.
Plant Spring / Summer (generally available mid May - September).
Due to the reduced growing season, Mammoth Miscanthus will not achieve its full height in Scotland and Northern England.



Links:

Miscanthus studies (http://miscanthus.illinois.edu)
What is Miscanthus? (http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/papers/miscanthus/miscanthus.html)
Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) (http://news.illinois.edu/NEWS/05/0927miscanthus.html)
Miscanthus x giganteus (http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/grasses/msg1212144432588.html)Miscanthus X Giganteus Propagation Studies (http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2005am/techprogram/P6643.HTM)Performance of 15 Miscanthus Genotypes (http://agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/93/5/1013)More on Miscanthus (http://www.ace.uiuc.edu/pERE/conference/papers/long.pdf)

[Central Iowa]

They have planted 30 acres a day in Europe using potato planters! Think about that stand! The neat thing is you can satrt small and start splitting them to fill you screening needs with your initial investment. I think I may order a small amount and experiment for a year or two.

Here are some pictures showing how the Miscanthus is doing so far. We planted the rhizomes on April 16 and we have an average of 6 inches of growth on most in one month. Here is the definition of a rhizome (they are a under ground stem: a thick underground horizontal stem that produces roots and has shoots that develop into new plants.) The first picture shows what they look like.
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/RhizomeCloseup.JPG
I planted the rhizomes 3 foot apart and 2-3” deep. Hopefully this should form a nice wall that could be as tall as 12 foot and add a secure feeling to the plot as well as screening for access to and from stands.
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/MiscanthusLayOut.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/Rhizome.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/MiscanthusMay17.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/2008May17.JPG
Stay tuned for future updates. It appears now the biggest hurdle will be winter survival as the first winter is supposed to be the hardest.

Most of my plants are in the 3 to 3 1/2 foot range, and few are over 5 foot. I didn't spray mine untill this past weekend with a mix of 24d and atrazine I will update again in 2-3 weeks.
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3071/medium/MG1.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3071/medium/MG2.JPG

While at work today I found one of those hidden treasures that your around all the time and don't even know it's there. I have drove by this Miscanthus for all 5 years of it's existance walked by it probably half a dozen times but while on the phone today I picked up a brochure while standing in the lobby of Reiman Gardens in Ames and was reading about their biofuel tour of grasses, etc. and noticed they had Giant Miscanthus listed. So to truck for the camera I went then talked to one of the staff about it. They have never been split and are 5 years old. This stuff is thick and tall (well over 12 foot). If mine ends up even close to this in a few years I will be very happy. They had some that was older that looked great as well but not in the best spot for pictures. If you are driving past Reiman Gardens in Ames North of highway 30 next to Jack Trice stadium you can't miss it if you are looking for it.
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/100_2079.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/100_2075.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/100_2080.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/100_2081.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/100_2083.JPG
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/3090/medium/100_2085.JPG

[Skully]

As a volunteer fire-fighter all I can think about what a hot sum-a-benchin' grass fire that stuff could produce! Holy blazes! I bet the critters would love it though!

[bowhuntr311]

Skully,

I never thought about the fire aspect till you mentioned it. That would be worse than lighting a good dry cat-tail slough (sp?) on fire.

With it planted in rows as in the pictures. I bet that would really make some good cover. Broadcasted probably be so tough to get through that a deer would go around it than through it.

Dean

[JNRBRONC]

Originally Posted By: Skully
As a volunteer fire-fighter all I can think about what a hot sum-a-benchin' grass fire that stuff could produce! Holy blazes! I bet the critters would love it though!




Being the victim of two arson fires when I had switch grass CRP, I think this is a very valid comment! If some low life is PO'd because he can't see through it from the road, all it takes is a match.

I was thinking earlier that some type of shrub would be a much more cost effective screen. Even though it might lose it's leaves in fall/winter, branches should deflect bullets from road poachers.

So I guess plant BOTH.

[Critter]

As a volunteer fire-fighter all I can think about what a hot sum-a-benchin' grass fire that stuff could produce! Holy blazes! I bet the critters would love it though!



Being the victim of two arson fires when I had switch grass CRP, I think this is a very valid comment! If some low life is PO'd because he can't see through it from the road, all it takes is a match.



I was thinking earlier that some type of shrub would be a much more cost effective screen. Even though it might lose it's leaves in fall/winter, branches should deflect bullets from road poachers.

So I guess plant BOTH.



Funny this topic popped up today.......I've thought about it numerous times when I'm thinking ahead about planning some cover seeding or a "road block" seeding. I wonder how often it happens. Probably wouldn't just be road poachers you'd have a problem with........cut off the visuals to your adjacent landowners and they might accidentaly flick their smoke at your bedding area. I doubt most would do it, but I'd be willing to bet it happens more than we know of.

[JNRBRONC]

Critr

One grass fire was shortly after I busted two guys for trespassing, so I think it was retaliation.I recovered the Molotov cocktail "someone" threw into my field in an attempt to set the place on fire, but no finger prints were ever taken off of it. It had luckily landed in a bare area that they couldn't see from the road as they threw it. Thus, we were able to get the fire out and recover the device. CSI does not exist in rural Iowa! Don't expect "dusting for prints".

The second fire happened while we were asleep. We looked out the window in the morning to see 4 charred acres. The local fire department had put it out or it would have been more. At that point, we decided that we needed a LARGE buffer between the CRP and the house.

[dbltree]

I was thinking earlier that some type of shrub would be a much more cost effective screen. Even though it might lose it's leaves in fall/winter, branches should deflect bullets from road poachers.

So I guess plant BOTH







In my mind I don't think anything can beat a good red cedar screen except that it takes a while to reach the "screening" point.

My Autumn Olives made a great screen in 3-4 years but then you have to deal with the possible invasive issues. They are virtually impossible to kill by fire or otherwise...I just wish I could find another fast growing shrub that would take it's place.

I don't guess this "grass" would be any worse then switchgrass...if some idiot wants to torch it...

I'm like Travis...I have to try some and see how it compares and weigh the pros and cons.

Miscanthus Updates (http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25606)

[Shovelbuck]

Fricking nightmare to track a deer through. It looks like the stuff that got loose on some areas of the Platte here and is taking over the native fauna.

[kurtish]

I've never dealt with the giganteus but I know that Miscanthus sinensis can be grown into zone 4. It gets between 4-6 feet tall and would make great screening cover in moist soil areas. One word of caution though is that this stuff can be quite invasive and if you had a large area of lowground it could spread and take over existing plant communities.

[tedturano]

Anyone know where you can purchase Miscanthus?

[dbltree]

Anyone know where you can purchase Miscanthus?

Send OneCam a PM if interested in purchasing Miscanthus...:way:

I planted some Miscanthus the other day using the tree planter...worked pretty slick too!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/Miscanthusrhizome.jpg

I'm using atrazine on it (to control weeds) and I'm going to give it a boost with some urea and see how this stuff does!

Kinda curious about what soil conditions it will tolerate and growth rates so I'll hopefully add my own results to this post as the year goes on...:)

[Central Iowa]

I put about 60 more in the ground tonight. These things are pretty neat and they did well even in heavy clay. Not as well as the ones in good soil but not bad. I will try some urea as well this year. By the way the ones I took pictures of in Ames were cut late winter there was another stand I could not get a picture of but could see it from a ways away it stood tall all winter. I was at the place this week and they had cut it down for the year.

[goatman]

I went out tonight to split some off and transplant in some bare spots before it sprouted. Guess what I was to late. Here are some one year old plants. This stuff is way ahead of switch grass. I also read a study where fertilizer didn't help this stuff to yield anymore. Be sure and write how yours did.
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=877
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=878

[dbltree]

Wow! That stuff greens up quick! Can you still split it after it starts sprouting I wonder?

Lot's to learn about Miscanthus x giganteus!

Miscanthus x giganteus (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/AG201.pdf) in Iowa

[Central Iowa]

I also read a study where fertilizer didn't help this stuff to yield anymore. Be sure and write how yours did.

I have read the same but we did notice the miscanthus planted in a well fertilized yard did much better though it could be contributed to soil quality .

[dbltree]

I have read the same but we did notice the miscanthus planted in a well fertilized yard did much better though it could be contributed to soil quality .

Hmmm...I sense another "test" coming on...

I find it extremely difficult to believe that it wouldn't respond to nitogen applications....;)

[goatman]

Wow! That stuff greens up quick! Can you still split it after it starts sprouting I wonder?

I'll find out. I split some that was sprouted and filled in some blank spots.

[goatman]

http://miscanthus.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/growersguide.pdf

Here another link to miscanthus x giganteus.

[Central Iowa]

The plants are looking good! I have some that shot up to over knee high last week and the week before they were barely poking through. Thursday the new split plants were still under by Saturday evening they had decent growth. Amazing growth in a short amount of time I guess a little warm weather does wonders!
I found an interesting slide show with audio from the University of Illinois. This stuff is bound to have an interesting future.
http://www.publicaffairs.illinois.edu/slideshows/Miscanthus_Yield/index.html

[dbltree]

The plants are looking good! I have some that shot up to over knee high last week the week before they were barelyl poking through. Thursday the new split plants were still under by Saturday they had decent growth. Amazing growth!
I found an interesting slide show with audio from the University of Illinois. This stuff is bound to have an interesting future.
http://www.publicaffairs.illinois.edu/slideshows/Miscanthus_Yield/index.html

Wow! Great information Travis! The pic of the gentlemen standing in a pathway thru the miscanthus gives me some ideas....;):D

I'm going to check mine this week and see if it's up yet....:way:

[tedturano]

Hey,
I checked again yesterday and out of the close to 200 plants, I was able to find 8 maybes and 4 that I'm sure are Miscanthus? Does it usually take them this long to start growing? What's up?

[Central Iowa]

Does it usually take them this long to start growing? What's up?

We are all new at Miscanthus so I guess it will be hard to answer your question with certainty. Are these new plants planted this spring? I would guess the warmer the spot the earlier they will start putting on growth. One Cam had some second year plants that were mulched that have been growing for awhile while I have only seen growth in the last week and a half on sprayed areas with no ground cover. Yet I have some that were split this year at the house that have yet to poke through (last checked Thursday). Keep us updated I will try and get some picts. up later today.

[NovemberSunrise]

Anyone know if these plants can handling growing near black walnuts? I have an east woodline where these might be nice to use as a screen, but there are a few BW in the vicinity.

[Central Iowa]

Heres the Miscanthus planted last year that didn't get split this year and I can already see they will be much bigger this year.

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=151&pictureid=1285

The following picture from Reiman Gardens in Ames is a mature stand tht's over 5 years old an and never been split it was well over knee high. This stand is in a optimal setting getting plenty of water and nutrients. It's the same stand I posted a picture of last Summer.

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=151&pictureid=1284

[dbltree]

Sounds like the splits will take longer to get growing no doubt lacking the reserves that mature established plants have. ;)

[Sligh1]

I am going to buy some rhizomes next year BUT only if I can plant them on lower ground. They will be for a road screen, probably need a couple hundred of them. Dbltree, you looked at my low ground before (rarely ever floods but could- very fertile)- seem like that area would be ok? And, from what I previously read- Atrazine resistant- I will likely treat the areas the same as switchgrass, just making sure.

[dbltree]

I am going to buy some rhizomes next year BUT only if I can plant them on lower ground. They will be for a road screen, probably need a couple hundred of them. Dbltree, you looked at my low ground before (rarely ever floods but could- very fertile)- seem like that area would be ok? And, from what I previously read- Atrazine resistant- I will likely treat the areas the same as switchgrass, just making sure.

My planting is on exactly that same type of ground Skip, so I'll keep you posted....;)

[dbltree]

Well I think I have at leats one "baby" Miscanthus coming up!:way:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/Miscanthusseedling5-29-09.jpg

I killed everything prior to planting with an atrazine/roundup cocktail so I'm pretty sure it's miscanthus

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/Miscanthasplanting5-29-09.jpg

I'm hoping warmer weather will get more of it sprouting up! With a little planning this stuff can create awesome funnels, poacher screens and even thermal cover for bedding in winter months.

Once I know it's up and growing I'm going to "feed" it...I don't care what they say, grass LOVES nitrogen!;)


Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) (http://miscanthus.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/growersguide.pdf)



<DIR>•
Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a warm-season Asian grass showing great potential as a biomass crop in Illinois; at several Illinois sites, research plantings of Giant Miscanthus have produced greater yields than switchgrass.

• Giant Miscanthus is sterile and is propagated by rhizome division.

• To grow Giant Miscanthus, plant rhizomes approximately 4-inches deep and 3-feet apart within rows and 3-feet between rows.

• Weeds must be controlled during the planting season to ensure a successful planting.

• Stems of Giant Miscanthus are harvested in winter when dormant.

• To date, there have been no biomass losses due to insects or diseases.


</DIR>
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/miscanthus2.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/miscanthus1.jpg

[dbltree]

Well...I think I have a miscanthus growing?

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/Miscanthuson6-26-09.jpg

I have switchgrass and other native grasses growing in the area so anything is possible, but this plant is growing directly out of the furrow I planted the rhizomes in.

The area I planted them in is low and wet and this year has been exceptionally wet, if not downright soggy.

Now that more normal hot, humid summer weather is here I'm hoping for more growth so we'll keep and eye on it and see what happens....:)

[goatman]

Well...I think I have a miscanthus growing?

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/Miscanthuson6-26-09.jpg





:)

Yep you got miscanthus there. That plant right there will be a monster next year.:grin:

[Sligh1]

Wasn't the plant supposed to be like 8' first year or something crazy like that?! then like 12' the second year? Some claim like that. Maybe I'm wrong.

My trouble and QUESTION is every fast growing thing I've ever planted- it never grows like they claim. For instance, these hybrid willows are supposed to be like 6-10' by the 2nd year in some of the claims- might have some that are waste high now. I am darn good about weed control BUT seems like MOST the claims out there from folks promoting the stuff doesn't live up correctly to the claims.

What is the factual growth rates 1st, 2nd, 3rd year of M. X G. if it has no competition and good growing site?

[letemgrow]

I would say a lot of those claims are made using that plants ideal site. Some are pretty site specific and growth rates decline a lot in other areas. Black walnut is a great example. Eastern Gama grass claims 6-8 tons of hay per acre, but I doubt anyone gets that one a clay hillside. That grass grows fast and produces tons, but those numbers would only be reached on primo spots.

I am glad to see that plant is sterile since we do not need anymore exotic plants taking over.

[dbltree]

What is the factual growth rates 1st, 2nd, 3rd year of M. X G. if it has no competition and good growing site? <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I really have no idea because this is my first year but I would keep in mind that this is a warm season plant and we have had extremely cool wet weather this spring.

Growth should be rapid during the next two months but until the plants become established (just like all native grasses) growth will not be at it's peak.

I'll keep posting progress pics and we'll find out...;)

[goatman]

Here is some 2nd year plants. With all the rain this year they are 6.5 to 7 feet tall. The short stuff on the left in the first picture is transplanted rhizome this year. I had sprayed 2-4D two weeks ago.
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=1457
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=1458

[dbltree]

Wow! That's what I'm talkin' bout! That's some awesome growth right there, thanks for sharing! :way:

[goatman]

Here is some 2nd year plants. With all the rain this year they are 6.5 to 7 feet tall. The short stuff on the left in the first picture is transplanted rhizome this year. I had sprayed 2-4D two weeks ago.
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=1457
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=1458
Here are those same plants today in full bloom. They are 1 1/2 yrs. old and over 10'.
http://iowawhitetail.com/gallery/files/4039-grass1.jpg

[Field Service]

SWEET! Where did you guys get your starters from again?

[dbltree]

SWEET! Where did you guys get your starters from again?

OneCam did sell a few of his own this past spring but you can find them on ebay also, early in the spring.

I think I will try to start one or more in the garden to use as "mother plants" to seperate rhizomes from to plant in the field.

Dividing plants sets them back but one or two at home can be "babied", watered and fed to induce rapid growth and provide "babies" to plant afield...;)

[homegrownbucks]

The stuff I tried in full sun only got about 4 to 5 foot tall the second year, the stuff on the edge of a plot in the woods got 9 to 10 feet tall.

Short
http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m388/fisc0319/_000_0112.jpg

Tall
http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m388/fisc0319/_000_0110.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m388/fisc0319/_000_0111.jpg

[dbltree]

The stuff I tried in full sun only got about 4 to 5 foot tall the second year, the stuff on the edge of a plot in the woods got 9 to 10 feet tall.

I wonder if that side hill was to dry perhaps? The flat semi-shaded areas may have had more moisture or just more fertile soil?

Interesting either way...thanks for sharing the pics!:way:

[waylonb19]

Well I just ordered 10 of these. Let me hear some updates on how everyone is liking/disliking their miscanthus. Hopefully they don't all die out on me. :confused:

[Sligh1]

With how few most guys are planting, maybe these would be worthy of some nitrogen/fertilizer? Heck, if you have 10-50 of these, wouldn't be that big of deal. Hope to see more pics of folks success or challenges with this as well. I'm still on the screens varying from corn, egyptian wheat, trees that will take a while- cedar, willow, swamp oak (very impressed with swamp oaks), shrubs, etc. I likely will do some MxG with atrazine & nitrogen. Keep the updates coming!

[dbltree]

With how few most guys are planting, maybe these would be worthy of some nitrogen/fertilizer? Heck, if you have 10-50 of these, wouldn't be that big of deal. Hope to see more pics of folks success or challenges with this as well. I'm still on the screens varying from corn, egyptian wheat, trees that will take a while- cedar, willow, swamp oak (very impressed with swamp oaks), shrubs, etc. I likely will do some MxG with atrazine & nitrogen. Keep the updates coming!

That's my plan Skip...I am planting some near the house to use as mother plants and I will be "feeding" them like a 4-H calf! :D

[waylonb19]

I am using them for a screen in a foodplot that is right out my back door. I should be able to keep a close watch on them and water/fertilize them whenever needed. I am thinking I might even put down some landscape fabric around them once they come up and even mulch around them. I am a little worried about winter kill the first yr. though. Think there would be a way to insulate them during the winter? I wonder if a guy could put some like 2" styrofoam around them to help keep the frost out from around them?

[dbltree]

landscape fabric Just use caution the next spring because it will want to come up thru that fabric and you'll need to open it up and allow them to emerge...;)

Here's a source for miscanthus Miscanthus Source (http://lacycreekgrowers.com/misc_gig.php)

[IQDM]

what is the difference between this and ravenous grass?

[dbltree]

what is the difference between this and ravenous grass?

I believe the ravenous is an invasive grass that spreads on it's own while miscanthus is sterile and cannot spread via wind blown seed. ;)

[waylonb19]

So how long before I should start seeing these things start sprouting above the dirt. When I planted them they already had sprout coming out of the rhimozomes.

[dbltree]

So how long before I should start seeing these things start sprouting above the dirt. When I planted them they already had sprout coming out of the rhimozomes.

I would expect some growth within the next week as we are expecting temps in the high 80's!

I bought some plants so I didn't have to wait and wonder...:rolleyes::D

[waylonb19]

I would expect some growth within the next week as we are expecting temps in the high 80's!

I bought some plants so I didn't have to wait and wonder...:rolleyes::D


Yeah I thought about just buying plants but the shipping was a lot more. Where did you get yours?

[waylonb19]

Some insect is eating on my miscanthus. I am thinking of dusting them with some Seven. Anything else I could try to keep them from eating on them. I haven't figured out what insect it is yet.

[dbltree]

Some insect is eating on my miscanthus. I am thinking of dusting them with some Seven. Anything else I could try to keep them from eating on them. I haven't figured out what insect it is yet.

That's something new to me?! If Sevin doesn't kil lthem...yikes! :D

[Qdmaer]

Just wondering if there is a post emergent herbicide safe for miscanthus and pampas grass? Thanks

[dbltree]

Just wondering if there is a post emergent herbicide safe for miscanthus and pampas grass? Thanks

2-4D should be fine for broadleaf control in any grasses with 3-4 but pretty tough to do anything with grasses at this point...;)

[goatman]

Here is some third season miscanthus. I use it for screening my shed from paintballs. It is aleast 9' and maybe taller.

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=3991

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=3992

[dbltree]

Wow!! Awesome growth!!:way:

[waylonb19]

That's awesome. I can only hope my screen looks like that in 3 more yrs. :drink2: Any special tips or hints you can give? When do you split them? Did you feed them? Any winter loss? Fill us in.

[goatman]

After the first winter I had about three that died. So I took some neighboring roots and filled in. They were spaced 4' apart. Really got thick this year. I have never put any fertilizer on them. About time they are ready to sprout if the wind is good I burn them off. Thats about all I have done.

[homegrownbucks]

Is that one row planted 4 feet apart? Or multiple?

[bryan]

What happen to this thread? This grass sound very interesting any updates? Would like to hear about the winter kill and the planting zone for this?

[goatman]

homegrown-I'm sorry I'm late with a answer. It is one row 4' apart.
bryan- Won't know for a month on any winter kill but I doubt I'll have any. My plants are going into their third year and huge. I'm in the middle of zone 5.

[waylonb19]

exactly how do you split them? Do you just dig them up and cut some of the root off?

[goatman]

exactly how do you split them? Do you just dig them up and cut some of the root off?

Thats all I did. Cut some root(rizome) 4 to 6".

[IowaDave]

homegrown-I'm sorry I'm late with a answer. It is one row 4' apart.
bryan- Won't know for a month on any winter kill but I doubt I'll have any. My plants are going into their third year and huge. I'm in the middle of zone 5.

Glad to see this thread getting some recent replies because we are thinking of planting some this spring.

Goatman- when you say 'huge', how big do you mean? We are going to plant some primarily as a screen from the neighbors- can you see thru yours? Do you think 2 rows would be better for the purpose we're trying to accomplish or would 1 be enough?

[Erick]

Cousin has a farm with about 20 acres of this stuff. Every year you see new areas that it has spread too. It is pretty neat and does get 9-11 foot tall each year. Usually go down there during the fall and cut some of them, pretty neat.

[dbltree]

Cousin has a farm with about 20 acres of this stuff. Every year you see new areas that it has spread too. It is pretty neat and does get 9-11 foot tall each year. Usually go down there during the fall and cut some of them, pretty neat.

I suspect that is Pampas Grass rather then miscanthus, because miscanthus is sterile, it can't spread by seed and only "moves" via rhizomes.

Generally the clumps just expand but they can't "jump" 2-3' which is the nice thing about this grass...it's not invasive...:way:

Here's a pic of Pampas Grass

http://www.mrjacksfarm.com/dnn/Portals/0/Pampas_Grass.JPG

[bryan]

I just found some Miscanthus on ebay. It is selling for 2.85 for a 1/2 gallon section. I am looking to buy around twenty of them if anyone knows if i could find them cheaper some where else, the help would be greatly appreciated. There are also people trying to sell the seeds of what they say is a Miscanthus giganteus but it must be seeds from some other grass so be careful when you buy.

[dbltree]

I just found some Miscanthus on ebay. It is selling for 2.85 for a 1/2 gallon section. I am looking to buy around twenty of them if anyone knows if i could find them cheaper some where else, the help would be greatly appreciated. There are also people trying to sell the seeds of what they say is a Miscanthus giganteus but it must be seeds from some other grass so be careful when you buy.

Seeds?? Yikes! :confused:

Here's a good source at reasonable prices

Miscanthus Source (http://lacycreekgrowers.com/misc_gig.php)

[goatman]

Glad to see this thread getting some recent replies because we are thinking of planting some this spring.

Goatman- when you say 'huge', how big do you mean? We are going to plant some primarily as a screen from the neighbors- can you see thru yours? Do you think 2 rows would be better for the purpose we're trying to accomplish or would 1 be enough?

Here's mine from last summer. Over 10' and one row.
http://iowawhitetail.com/gallery/files/4039-grass1.jpg

[waylonb19]

Seeds?? Yikes! :confused:

Here's a good source at reasonable prices

Miscanthus Source (http://lacycreekgrowers.com/misc_gig.php)


Paul do you know if they sell them in smaller quantities or do you have to buy a minimum of 100?

[dbltree]

Paul do you know if they sell them in smaller quantities or do you have to buy a minimum of 100?

I would just give them a call and ask or see if someone wants to split an order with you...:way:

[IowaDave]

Here's mine from last summer. Over 10' and one row.
http://iowawhitetail.com/gallery/files/4039-grass1.jpg

One more question for you goatman-
This may be a dumb question, but is it that thick in the fall & winter too after it dies?
We were thinking we might want 2 rows, but I can't see squat that's behind yours and if it stays that way in the fall i think 1 might do the trick.
Thanks for your help on this, btw! :way:

[goatman]

IowaDave
It does stay that way into winter. Right now alot of the leaves have come off and you can see through it some. I'm expecting it to be even thicker this year.

[bryan]

Paul do you know if they sell them in smaller quantities or do you have to buy a minimum of 100?

I emailed them the same question to them and this is what i got for a response...

Hello, Yes we sell in that quantity. Simply log on to the online shippable cataglog, go to grasses and find miscanthus giganteus. We sell in increments of 10, so order 2 of the 10 is you wish. The cost is 26.95 ea. 10 piece order, 8.95 for the first 10, and 3.00 shipping ea 10 increment thereafter. We only accept paypal online, but if you wish you may print of the order form on the home page and send a check to us. We will contact you before shipping, likely towards the end of April. Thanks, Kathy

[SEIowaDeerslayer]

Sorry if this as already been posted earlier in the thread, I was skimming through it rather fast. What is generally the best time to get the rhizomes in the ground? :confused: I have 20 on order, they're def. not cheap so I don't want to screw this up!

[dbltree]

Sorry if this as already been posted earlier in the thread, I was skimming through it rather fast. What is generally the best time to get the rhizomes in the ground? :confused: I have 20 on order, they're def. not cheap so I don't want to screw this up!

I am certainly not an expert at this but I think anytime now is fine...;)

[bowhuntr311]

Goatman or anybody? in the picture from Goatman is the "row" how far apart did you plant the rhizomes? Perfectly straight or did you stagger them?

[goatman]

Goatman or anybody? in the picture from Goatman is the "row" how far apart did you plant the rhizomes? Perfectly straight or did you stagger them?

Fairly straight and 4' apart. I was out tonight and burn it off and saw a sprout poking its head up. Stuff is faster than native grass.

[Central Iowa]

You want to get this done by mid April. I split a bunch that was planted on April 16 in 2008 on Saturday in south Central Iowa and they looked like they were just starting to put on this years growth.

[dbltree]

You want to get this done by mid April. I split a bunch that was planted on April 16 in 2008 on Saturday in south Central Iowa and they looked like they were just starting to put on this years growth.

You just use a sharp shovel to split them Travis??

[Central Iowa]

Some I did with a spade some I did by hand. By hand takes more time but you can get individual rhizomes instead of clumps. Time will tell what's best.

[CYalumi]

Be careful what you plant and where you plant it. Although it may make great screening cover, non-natives, especially from Asia are too aggressive in the US. Anything that grows this fast and spreads by rhizomes (AKA Johnsongrass) is never a good thing in the long run! Planting this for biofuel where it can be kept in check is one thing. Planting it as wildlife cover in old fields or idle areas is another. Not telling you what to do, just food for thought!

[goatman]

Be careful what you plant and where you plant it. Although it may make great screening cover, non-natives, especially from Asia are too aggressive in the US. Anything that grows this fast and spreads by rhizomes (AKA Johnsongrass) is never a good thing in the long run! Planting this for biofuel where it can be kept in check is one thing. Planting it as wildlife cover in old fields or idle areas is another. Not telling you what to do, just food for thought!

Its sterile. Only way to produce it is by planting rhizomes.

[CYalumi]

And Rhizomes spread, correct? We think a lot of things are sterile, such as hybrid fish but nature has a way of making things work! A percentage of hybrids can reproduce. Like I said, not telling you all what to do, just making a valid point for consideration.

[dbltree]

And Rhizomes spread, correct? We think a lot of things are sterile, such as hybrid fish but nature has a way of making things work! A percentage of hybrids can reproduce. Like I said, not telling you all what to do, just making a valid point for consideration.

Miscanthus will not spread or I wouldn't even have a thread on it. I fully understand and appreciate your concerns however because some, like Pampas Grass do spread and is terribly invasive, so it's important to know for certain what one is dealing with...;)

[waylonb19]

All my grasses made it through the winter...They have all sprouted. I was going to split them this yr. but wasn't sure if I should because I wasn't sure if I would of winter kill or not. Now I wish I would of split them. Is it to late to split them once they have sprouted?

[dbltree]

All my grasses made it through the winter...They have all sprouted. I was going to split them this yr. but wasn't sure if I should because I wasn't sure if I would of winter kill or not. Now I wish I would of split them. Is it to late to split them once they have sprouted?

I don't have a solid answer to that but the ones I received last year were sprouted in containers so I am going to split some of mine and see what happens? I'll leave the mother plant alone so it shouldn't have any ill effects on the original plant.

Either the new sprouts will survive or not...;)

[dbltree]

May 3rd, 2011

The miscanthus plants I planted last spring are up and growing and it looks like they are already providing me with new rhizomes to move!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/CIMG2742.jpg

New shoots are appearing next to the mother plants

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/CIMG2739.jpg

I need to get these things fertilized!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/CIMG2740.jpg

I'd like to move some to areas that need screening and keep the weeds under control with atrazine

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/CIMG2741.jpg

Last year cool wet weather didn't really help growth so I'm hoping for a better growing season this year. Obviously they survived the bitter cold winters however... :way:

[bryan]

Did you mulch over them for the winter? Or is that just your mother plant that has mulch around it?

[dbltree]

Did you mulch over them for the winter? Or is that just your mother plant that has mulch around it?

the latter...I just planted them in a small flower garden area in our yard that is already mulched, so didn't mulch over the plants themselves. ;)

[Qdmaer]

I planted about 400 plugs and some are starting to put shoots of growth finnaly with this cold weather in michigan lately. The pampas grass is not coming up yet.:drink1:

[dbltree]

I thought my miscanthus was just slow growing but it appears possible that the supplier sent me a lessor miscanthus and not the giant miscanthus?! Not wanting to waste anymore time I sent for a plant from another source to both compare and be nurtured as a mother plant from which to harvest rhizomes.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_0025.jpg

The stems do look much sturdier so....if at first you don't succeed....try, try again.... :rolleyes:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_0026.jpg

[IowaDave]

I thought my miscanthus was just slow growing but it appears possible that the supplier sent me a lessor miscanthus and not the giant miscanthus?!

We bought some of this to plant this spring and are going to be buying more down the road....care to tell us who the supplier is?
Have they been made aware of the situation and are they going to make it right with you somehow?

[dbltree]

We bought some of this to plant this spring and are going to be buying more down the road....care to tell us who the supplier is?
Have they been made aware of the situation and are they going to make it right with you somehow?

Here's where I got it from: Earthly Pursuits (http://www.earthlypursuits.net/index.php?p=product&id=104&parent=0)

I'm still watching the growth of what I have from them but I suspect it's not the Giant Miscanthus. Other people have ordered from EP and received the correct order and mine does not look like theirs. If I had ordered hundreds I would be really upset but in this case I'll just let it ride...;)

[Qdmaer]

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=884&stc=1&d=1306118626

[dbltree]

Thanks for the update on growth!:way:

[dbltree]

June 10th, 2011

This is the latest giant miscanthus plant purchased this spring from a different source...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5067.jpg

These are the plants in question purchased last year

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5068.jpg

Growth is much more robust this season but still to early to tell if they are the giant version or not?

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5069.jpg

This is a leaf on last years plants

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5070.jpg

and the latest plant

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5071.jpg

They look identical but only time will tell as the plants grow...I have been feeding them plenty of fertilizer and combined with temps near a 100 this past week and copious amounts of rainfall...they are growing like crazy.

If you have Miscanthus x Gianteus plants...please share pics of growth at this time of year along with the age of the plants... :way:

[goatman]

Here you go Paul. This will be the fourth growing season for this grass. Yours is looking good for the first season.

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=6931

[dbltree]

Now that's a SCREEN!! :way:

[bryan]

Can't wait till mine looks like that... I will have to take some pics... My tallest grass is about a foot tall and about 13 out of 20 have come up so far... Seems like every day i go out there another one pops up...

[waylonb19]

I will get some pics of mine in their 2nd yr.

[DE2IA]

This plants looks great......Question though.....I have read some places that say you need to cut it back each year. Are you guys cutting it back or just letting it green up again in the spring? Also, do the deer eat it? No talk about fencing so I am assuming they leave it alone while it is getting established?? They eat everything on my place!! From the looks of it, it appears that you only need to plant a single row for a screen. Thanks.

[dbltree]

This plants looks great......Question though.....I have read some places that say you need to cut it back each year. Are you guys cutting it back or just letting it green up again in the spring? Also, do the deer eat it? No talk about fencing so I am assuming they leave it alone while it is getting established?? They eat everything on my place!! From the looks of it, it appears that you only need to plant a single row for a screen. Thanks.

I haven't heard of any deer eating it and none have touched mine thus far. Mine is young yet but we other like kind ornamental grasses here at our home and we usually do cut them off before spring. I think like any WSG, occasionally mowing or burning the dead straw would be helpful.;)

[DE2IA]

Thanks.....Can't wait to plant some!!

[Fix]

A client of mine has a big old clump she said i could have it is about 15 foot wide and very old.I didnt have time to dig it up this spring could i dig it up in sept.then transplant or should i wait for late winter again.Or could i do it now?I can probably water once a week.

[Central Iowa]

That will produce alot of plantings! I would wait untill early next spring to dig and split. With a mass that big you may want a backhoe. :D

[Fix]

Thanks i believe thats what i'm going to do.I'm going try to use a sawzall to cut then pry with a shovel.

[bryan]

Finally took a couple pics of my grass that i planted this spring... Tallest being around 3 ft... I planted 21 of them and 16 came up so far... Thought they would all be up by now but it surprises me everytime i go out and see another one popped out of the ground...
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=616&pictureid=7069
I am using the grass to screen an acre of beans that i am going to be leaving stand through the winter...
http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=616&pictureid=7068

[dbltree]

August 2nd, 2011

Here's the miscanthus I planted last year

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5577.jpg

This is miscanthus I planted this year

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e288/dbltree/Miscanthus%20x%20Gianteus/IMG_5576.jpg

The plants are from two different sources both sold as Miscanthus x Gianteus but if in fact they are the giant miscanthus I cannot say for certain yet? Pretty decent screen either way.... ;)

[goatman]

Both are looking very good. You'll be a happy man next year.