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Welcome!
Our new website is under construction! We are sold out of the Miscanthus for this spring. Miscanthus sales will open up for the next season January 1st, 2027.
For those interested in Shiny Leaf Yellowhorn, we have seeds available. If you have questions or would like to order seeds, feel free to contact us at Don@mapleriverfarms.com or call 989-743-4344.
We offer redeemable gift certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, MxG is the only strain of Miscanthus that the seeds are sterile. We have been growing Miscanthus X Giganteus for almost 20 years and haven’t had it grow where we didn’t plant it.
Rhizomes: We suggest the following planting pattern to establish a hedge row/screen. The individual rhizomes should be planted in a double line. Each line should be 18" apart with the rhizomes planted down these lines also 18" apart and staggered. 133 rhizomes are used per 100 feet, the cost for the rhizomes is $120 per 100 feet. Planting a third line of rhizomes on the hedgerow will provide thicker screen coverage at a faster pace. This uses 200 rhizomes per 100 feet, the cost for the rhizomes is $180 per 100 feet.
Clusters: With clusters you can push them slightly farther apart. You can plant the clusters 24 inches apart. We recommend keeping the rows 18 inches apart. With this planting you would need 1 cluster for every foot of row.
The first year growth of an individual rhizome is 1-3 stalks, 1-3' tall. The second year you will get an average of 7 stalks, 6-7' tall, and the third year the clusters diameter will be approximately 14", with about 25 stalks at full height (11+). By the fourth year, two rhizomes planted 18" apart will grow into each other. Rhizomes spread slower in heavy soil (clay) and spread a little faster in sandy loam. The heaviest growth is always on the new outside spread of the cluster.
Plant the individual rhizomes 3-4" deep, horizontally, with 2-3” of soil on top. A well-tilled bed helps the roots establish quicker if you are able to till. Once the area is tilled, drag furrows and drop the rhizomes approximately every 18 inches. Kick the dirt back over the rhizomes and step on it. If doing long rows, work in sections so the rhizomes won’t dry out. If planting a small section or you don’t have a tiller, take a spade shovel and insert it into the ground at an angle. Then, lift the shovel, throw the rhizome in, remove the shovel, and step on the soil to compact it. The picture to the side shows how we plant long rows. We added shanks to the back of our tiller so we can drop those and drag our furrows on the final pass.
Miscanthus won’t do well in wet conditions. MxG likes moist and warm conditions, not soaking wet. It won’t do well by a tree line. The trees will take too much moisture/nutrient from the miscanthus, causing it to grow poorly. Sandy soil will grow Miscanthus. The problem is that it requires more work every year to establish growth. The MxG would need irrigation every summer and extra fertilizer every year. Like a permanent drip line that can be turned on when needed. The MxG is very drought tolerant once established. This means it will not die if it receives no extra water beyond rainfall, but it also won't grow during the dry spell. We have sandy areas that we do not irrigate that are always shorter.
We fertilize the Miscanthus with triple 19, 4 weeks after planting. We use 5 pounds per 100 feet of row. The second year, we use a 1:1 mix of triple 19 and Urea. It is still 5 pounds per 100 feet. If the hedge has a lot of competition with weeds, you can spray 2,4-D or quintessential. You can apply the spray at the same time as fertilizing.
Once the MxG is growing animals will not eat it. It has no nutritional value for them. We have heard from customers that after planting an animal has come through and dug up the rhizomes. The solution we have found that works is to sprinkle cayenne pepper where you planted to deter them away.
Products:
Individual Miscanthus Rhizomes:
An individual rhizome is separated from a rhizome cluster that is three years old or older. The advantage of planting an individual rhizome is the cost. Individual rhizomes may take longer to establish, but mechanized planting is possible, which cuts down on time and labor. Therefore, using individual rhizomes in bulk offers greater cost savings.
This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped Miscanthus is added for moisture control.
Available only in the spring.
Individual Miscanthus Rhizomes
• All order quantities are individually counted for accuracy.
• Minimum order quantity is 50 rhizomes.
• For shipment planning; Approx. 20 rhizomes = 1 lb.
| Priced by order quantity. | ||
|---|---|---|
| 50 - 999 | @ | $0.90 |
| 1,000 - 1,999 | @ | $0.86 |
| 2,000 - 3,999 | @ | $0.75 |
| 4,000 - 17,999 | @ | $0.65 |
| 18,000 or more | @ | $0.63 |
Add-on orders after receipt of large quantity orders will be considered stand-alone, and not receive the same original discount.
The prices below are considered cash or check prices. There will be a 2.5% non cash/check charge added to all credit/debit card sales.
Upon check out you have the choice to mail a check,
which we prefer, to eliminate the 2.5% fee.
We reserve the right to limit resellers or have no sale.
Flat Rate Shipping on Individual Rhizomes:
10 Miscanthus Rhizomes:
We have 10 individual rhizomes in a flat rate box for $18.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
30 Miscanthus Rhizomes:
We have 30 individual rhizomes in a flat rate box for $47.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
60 Miscanthus Rhizomes:
We have 60 individual rhizomes in a flat rate box for $67.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
100 Miscanthus Rhizomes:
We have 100 individual rhizomes in a flat rate box for $118.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
Miscanthus Rhizome Clusters:
A rhizome cluster is a grouping of rhizomes. The benefit is more growth the first year and most likely full height the second year. Rhizome Clusters are always hand planted, as they are too large for any machine-type planting.
This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
Rhizomes Clusters
| Quantity | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 99 | @ | $7.00 each |
| 100+ | @ | $6.50 each |
Add-on orders after receipt of large quantity orders will be considered stand-alone, and not receive the same original discount.
The prices below are considered cash or check prices. There will be a 2.5% non cash/check charge added to all credit/debit card sales.
Upon check out you have the choice to mail a check,
which we prefer, to eliminate the 2.5% fee.
Flat Rate Shipping on Rhizome Clusters:
3 Rhizome Clusters:
We have 3 rhizome clusters in a flat rate box for $31.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
5 Rhizome Clusters:
We have 5 rhizome clusters in a flat rate box for $47.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
6 Rhizome Clusters:
We have 6 rhizome clusters in a flat rate box for $54.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
8 Rhizome Clusters:
We have 8 rhizome clusters in a flat rate box for $72.95, which includes shipping. This product is shipped bare root, without dirt. Moist chopped miscanthus is added for moisture control.
Introduction:
Miscanthus (Miscanthus X Giganteus) is a "woody" perennial grass of Asian descent, that when established, will grow to at least 10' yearly. This grass is a sterile triploid (three sets of chromosomes) formed by a natural cross of miscanthus sacchariflorus and miscanthus sinensis. Miscanthus Giganteus is a non-invasive grass that can be controlled because it has no viable seeds and no underground runners. Rhizomes survive temperatures down to -10°F in the ground.
It produces new shoots (stalks) annually that average 3/8" in diameter, with an average cluster spread of 4". Because it is sterile it is propagated by rhizome division. The crop is established by planting pieces of the root (rhizomes), cut to about 4" in length. This cold-hardy grass grows rapidly (C4 photosynthesis), has low nutrient requirements, few pests or diseases and produces high yields.
The miscanthus photosynthetic mechanism appears to be better adapted to low temperatures than that of many other C4 crops, equipping it for high productivity under relatively cool temperatures. At full maturity it can yield up to 12 tons of dry material per acre (starting around the fourth year). Higher yields are reported yearly. It shows great potential as a biomass crop. As with other bio-energy crops, the harvested dry stems may be used as fuel for heat, electricity or converted to ethanol.
At first frost, miscanthus pulls nutrients (sinensis) from above ground to the rhizomes below to prepare for the next year's growth. This process takes about two weeks. It also changes shades as it moves toward the golden brown color it holds for the rest of the winter until next spring's growth appears. The 12 photos below, taken on the first of every month show the seasonal changes of miscanthus.
The two links below have a lot more information on the history of Miscanthus X Giganteus. One link discusses the winter hardiness trial and the other covers the historical genetic diversity of the cultivars as they moved from Japan to Denmark in the 1930s and were subsequently distributed throughout Europe and North America.
Wildlife/Deer Habitat/Cover:
Besides its use as an alternative energy, we have discovered miscanthus makes an excellent habitat for deer, turkey, quail, etc. (wildlife cover).
Miscanthus is heavily used for screening roadsides, food plots, and field division.
Hedge screening can be planted with wide spacing to provide food plots between, preferably, plant with a strong curve to add privacy in the plot.
Another idea is for screening your parking area and walkway to the hunting blind. Remember, every year these rows will expand approximately 4" in each direction.
A little bit of field planting can also promote bedding areas, but field planting is primarily used for biomass production.
Backyard Privacy Screening:
Miscanthus x Giganteus is an inexpensive natural alternative for hedge screening. Whether you use it for a hedge screen, focal point, or to decrease street noise, miscanthus plays a role in your yard and landscape. These plants offer you the privacy to fit your needs.
Year-round, miscanthus offers a barricade for privacy. It provides a green wall in the summer months and golden-colored cane during the winter. When the leaves fall in winter, the cane stands through the heaviest snowfall to provide screen coverage.
Individual vs. Cluster Planting:
The main advantage of planting an individual rhizome is lower cost and the use of mechanized planting. An individual rhizome in bulk offers a greater cost savings when planting long rows or large acreage. Planting rhizome clusters generally requires digging individual holes, which increases your labor cost. The main advantage of planting clusters is that you get more growth the first year and are more likely to hit full height the second year. Planting clusters uses the same spacing as individual rhizomes. The rate of spread/blockage isn't faster, but you do gain height, establishment percentage, more stalks, and a year of screen establishment. So, the first year you end up with second year growth. That gets you to a screen/blockage faster. If they were spread farther apart during planting, you would lose what was trying to be gained, faster screening. Clusters provide the best value when used on short runs where a year's gain in height is necessary.
Planting and Care Information:
Keeping rhizomes fresh until planting - Each bag has a scoop of moist chopped miscanthus for moisture control. Rhizomes can be easily stored for two weeks in a refrigerator or basement. Do not put rhizomes in the freezer. The cold slows the growth.
Establishing a Hedge Row - We suggest the following planting pattern to establish a hedge row/screen. Plant the individual rhizomes in a double line. Each line should be 18" apart with rhizomes planted down these lines also 18" apart and staggered (See diagram below). 133 rhizomes are used per 100 feet. Planting a third line of rhizomes on the hedge row will provide thicker screen coverage at a faster pace. This uses 200 rhizomes per 100 feet.
Planting - The individual rhizomes should be planted 2-4" deep, horizontally with nothing above the ground. Any new growth on the rhizome, such as a pink shoot or grass blade, can be planted above ground in shallower soil with 1" of soil on top. A well-tilled bed helps the roots establish quicker but is not necessary. An average ground temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit is best for planting. Soil only needs to be kept moist and warm, do not overwater, as this will cause them to rot before they root. Do not worry so much about grass competition, but focus more on broadleaf weeds that block sunshine during the first year of establishment. Second-year growth will outpace everything. PH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.
Expected Growth - The first year growth from an individual rhizome is 1-3 stalks, 1-3' tall. The second year you will get an average of 7 stalks, 6-7' tall, and the third year the clusters diameter will be approximately 14", with about 25 stalks at full height (11'+). By the fourth year, two rhizomes planted 18" apart will grow into each other. Rhizomes spread slower in heavy soil (clay) and spread a little faster in sandy loam. The heaviest growth is always on the new outside spread of the cluster.
Fertilizing/Maintenance - Fertilizer demands(opens in new tab) are low due to the plant's efficient nutrient use and its ability to pull nutrients back down to the rhizomes at the end of each growing season. However, a yearly fertilization schedule will promote more growth in rhizomes and stalks. The better the soil, the better the growth.
We fertilize about 3 weeks after planting with a "triple" fertilizer. Keep the application rate comparable to fertilizing a new lawn installation. At the same time we spray a 2,4-D-based herbicide to suppress new weed seed germination. Miscanthus is in the grass family like corn. Common corn herbicides that have been used successfully include Dual, Atrazine, and 2,4-D.
It is not necessary to cut down the dead stalks at the end of the year. Let the dead stalks accumulate to make the row look thicker for the next winter. It is a benefit to clean up (cut down) all the interior dead stalks approximately every 5 years, after the original row is 7 to 8 years old.
Establishment (Biomass):
The rhizomes are planted about 2-4" deep, horizontally into a well prepared seed bed in the spring as soon as soil is workable. A little deeper if the soil moisture level is low. Europe has been cultivating miscanthus for over ten years and plants one rhizome per square meter for establishment. Here in the U.S. we plant one rhizome per square yard - three foot plant spacing in rows 3' apart. That rate requires approximately 4,850 plants per acre. Row layout and density depend on the grower's plan, whether the field is planted to be lifted in two years (denser) or for establishment. Also, a field planted to match equipment already owned for cultivation could influence row width and spacing.
Good yields can be achieved on a wide range of soils but the key to high tonnage is moisture supply. A wide range of pH is tolerated but growth is best between 5.5 and 7.5 pH. Sandy or free draining soils only yield well if rainfall is adequate so avoid them if possible.
This crop will produce peak biomass tonnage for 15 years then slowly lose tonnage because there's no room for rhizomes to spread.
Harvesting:
Biomass harvesting is done in late winter or early spring. This ensures the biomass will have low mineral and water content. Pelletizing is the best use of the biomass for us. At first, we believed we could bail, store, and later hammer mill it down to a proper size. We learned that even one rock in the miscanthus (from bailing off the ground) can damage the very expensive dye of the pellet machine. We now chop biomass with an older John Deere 3940 equipped with an F67 Dion head. This gives us a clean biomass sized for pelletizing.
We allow the first-year crop to stand. We cut down the second-year growth in the spring to clear the field of old weak stalks, preparing for a clean 3rd year crop. This allows for easy fertilization and spraying for any remaining weed issues.
Rhizome Shipping:
Once washed, the rhizomes are counted and placed in white kitchen garbage bags, which are then double-bagged. Moist chopped miscanthus biomass is added for moisture control. The prepared bags are then placed in the appropriately sized box(es) for shipping.
Freight Trucking on Bulk Shipping:
We offer supersac bags for bulk orders over 5,000 individual rhizomes. Each supersac can hold approximately 5,000 - 10,000 rhizomes. Regardless of the amount, each supersac contains individual bags, each bag has 125 rhizomes, making up the order. One supersac per pallet.
We offer supersac bags for bulk orders over 320 clusters. Each supersac can hold approximately 420 - 960 clusters. Individual bags contain 12 clusters.
*Requirements to Commercial Ship: Commercial business address and a fork loader to unload the pallet. If you need additional services such as a lift gate, or if it's a farm delivery those will have additional cost.
Please call us for a quote @ (989) 743-4344 or request a quote on our contact form with zip-code and extra services, if needed.
8,000 Piece Bag
5,000 Piece Bag (The small bag on top is an example of a individual 125 rhizome bag within that will make up your supersac order.)
International Shippping:
In compliance with bureaucratic procedures, you the buyer must arrange for an import permit from your government (if necessary) so that our country may issue us an export permit. We have detailed information about the miscanthus that we would be happy to share to help you obtain your import permit. All orders to Canada will require an Import Permit to help limit complications in customs.
All international sales will require a phytosanitary certificate, which we will obtain once the order is placed, this incurs an additional cost. All international sales will also have a handling fee.
Shipment to Philippines
Shipment to Philippines
Shipment to Mexico
8,000 Piece Bag
Miscanthus has made its way to Ireland with the sisters at St. Mary's Abbey. Below is an article describing how they use the miscanthus on their farm for heating purposes. Lots of beautiful pictures included within the article.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/climate/an-irish-abbey-where-the-grass-is-always-warmer.html(opens in new tab)