Additional species and cultivars have been added annually to the original collection, including approximately 40 different Miscanthus. These plants are evaluated for similar characteristics and compared to the Arboretum planting. Three to five years of data will be taken at the Morris and Crookston sites and subsequently published. Although the laboratory results varied widely between years, climatic zones, and cultivar, most plants set viable seed. The later-flowering types, such as 'Gracillimus', 'Morning Light', 'Variegatus' and 'Zebrinus' appear to represent the least risk, especially in northern climates, for becoming invasive plants.
Further work is needed to assess the potential for seed ermination and competitiveness in nature.
Nurseries and gardeners need to be aware of the potential invasiveness of this genus and be especially careful where field stock or mother plants are grown near open meadows and fields where seedlings could become established in native plant communities. Full report submitted to HortTechnology for publication. In the fall of 1997, five grasses were selected for this study based on popularity, desirable landscape characteristics, and availability. Variegatus were propagated from mature field stock in the Twin Cities. Little bluestem and prairie dropseed were planted from 1 x 3 plugs grown from seed.