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Miscanthus in Western North Carolina |
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The photo above shows naturalized Miscanthus sinensis on Hamburg Mountain Road near Weaverville, just north of Asheville.
Note the dead, blackened tree in the center. If a fire (from a roadside
cigarette) was started here, especially in fall or winter, that would enhance the growth of Miscanthus. In western North Carolina, this "wild
type" of Miscanthus sinensis has become naturalized in much
of Buncumbe, Madison, and Henderson Counties. The interstate highways, I-40 and I-26, seem to have provided a corridor for the airborne seeds of Miscanthus to spread. |
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| Although many residents enjoy the beauty of this grass in
the fall, it is NOT native and is a concern because it can grow in such
a large stand. It appears to be nearly a monoculture, which can alter native
ecosystems. Miscanthus sinensis can delay reforestation. Shown in
the photo above, white pine can compete and will eventually become
a natural succession to Miscanthus, although the process may be delayed
for many years once Miscanthus invades a site. Miscanthus can change the appearance of the mountains in western North Carolina, making
them look like Japan. |
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| Escaped Miscanthus sinensis can be found along many
roadsides, especially in disturbed, sunny locations, and waste places in
dry sites. Old Brevard Road west of Asheville (above) is typical
of many roads around Asheville. Notice in the mowed edge there is no Miscanthus. Regular mowing will discourage Miscanthus and eventually kill
it. |
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