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Is Miscanthus (maiden grass) illegal in New York?
Sources (3)
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 York's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated (6 NYCRR 575.4) — legal to sell, but may not be released into a free-living state; must carry an invasive-species label | Miscanthus sinensis | Chinese silver grass | Legally regulated — restrictions apply |
Effective dates
- The official list entry does not state a separate effective date for this species. See the linked law for when the listing took effect.
Exempt cultivars in New York (2)
- 'NCMS1' My Fair Maiden — conditionally exempt
- 'Tift M77' Scout — conditionally exempt
Source: Regulations – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Already have it in your yard?
Noxious-weed rules can require control or restrict moving the plant (including soil, seed and cuttings). Check the exact wording above and the linked law.
Native alternatives for New York
- 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 York 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 Jersey Virginia
See every plant on New York'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.