Miscanthus s., Zebra - Prairie

Miscanthus sinensis Zebrinus is the zebra of the grass world—the one that decided plain green was too boring and opted for bold horizontal golden-yellow bands across its arching blades, creating a wild, safari-striped fountain that turns heads and sparks compliments like "Is that real?" Those irregular creamy-yellow stripes glow against deep green, adding whimsical texture and movement as the leaves rustle in the breeze.

Homeowners love its playful versatility: plant it as a quirky specimen for instant "wow" in beds, create a loose privacy screen with that see-through charm (perfect for hiding the neighbor's junk without total isolation), mass for a textured meadow vibe, use in large containers for patio pizzazz, or as a backdrop that adds height and pattern without overwhelming smaller spaces—while the dried plumes beg to be snipped for indoor arrangements.

Thriving in full sun (partial shade tolerated but expect slightly droopier posture and muted stripes), it reaches 5-7 feet tall (plumes adding extra flair) and 4-5 feet wide—dramatic yet non-invasive. Extremely drought-tolerant once established (ideal for low-water zones), deer-resistant, and low-maintenance. In zone 6a Indiana, this hardy perennial (zones 5-9) delivers effortless, four-season fun.