It produces new shoots annually which produce erect, robust stems and appear similar to thin bamboo cane, having a diameter of approximately 10 mm. Occasionally inflorescences are produced which are often large and plumbose and composed of numerous racemes which are sub-digitate or arranged on a long central axis.
Spikelets are usually densely hairy, awned or awnless.
Flowering does not occur in Northern Europe. Miscanthus is sometimes called Elephant Grass. Several species have been cultivated in Europe for many years as ornamentals. Miscanthus is one of several coarse grasses under investigation for biomass production and fibre production. It is to be noted that the taxonomy of this plant is subject to clarification and revision.