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Is Miscanthus (maiden grass) illegal in New Jersey?
Sources (2)
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 New Jersey's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited invasive species (Invasive Species Management Act, 2026) | Miscanthus sinensis | Chinese silvergrass | Restricted on a phase-in schedule |
Effective dates
- Jan 1, 2027: propagation and import of the 30 listed species end without an NJDEP conditional-use waiver. Jan 1, 2030: sale, distribution and export end unless NJDEP issues a waiver. [2026 Info%20for%20Nurseries – New Jersey Department of Agriculture]
Exempt cultivars in New Jersey (2)
- 'NCMS1' — exempt; must be labelled
- 'Tift M77' — exempt; must be labelled
Source: InvasivePlants.shtml – New Jersey Department of Agriculture
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 New Jersey
- 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 New Jersey 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 Massachusetts New York Virginia
See every plant on New Jersey'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.