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Is Miscanthus (maiden grass) illegal in Massachusetts?
Also called: Chinese silvergrass, Miscanthus sinensis. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Miscanthus (maiden grass) is not listed.
What Massachusetts's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited plant (MDAR Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) — no sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution or propagation | Miscanthus sinensis | Chinese silver grass, Eulalia, maiden grass — phase-out: import/propagation ended 12/8/2025; sales until 12/31/2026 | Restricted on a phase-in schedule |
Effective dates
- phase-out: import/propagation ended 12/8/2025; sales until 12/31/2026 (from the official list entry)
Already have it in your yard?
Phase-in laws generally target nurseries and sellers on the dates shown. Plants already in the ground are typically not covered by sale bans; read the linked law for your situation.
Native alternatives for Massachusetts
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
- Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Each is recorded as native to Massachusetts in the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database state distribution (retrieved 2026-10-14). Check size, sun and soil fit for your site with your local Extension office.
More native swaps with hardiness, light and size →
Miscanthus (maiden grass) in other states
Connecticut Delaware Maryland New Jersey New York Virginia
See every plant on Massachusetts's invasive & noxious plant lists, or check any plant.
Not legal advice. PlantLegit summarizes official lists and links the source. Laws change, local (county/city) rules may add restrictions, and the official text controls. "What it means" is our plain-English label; read the exact list wording. Confirm with the agency before buying, selling or removing plants. Full disclaimer.