The miscanthus variety of grass is dense, sun-loving and often called “giant.” Blooming in late summer and early fall, the versatile grass with a showy silver flower has many uses and end products, from erosion control and compostable packaging, to livestock bedding and even fuel for electricity and heating.

Scientists hope miscanthus also will develop new markets, such as renewable natural gas, building materials, and chemicals for household and industrial products.

Although production of miscanthus is mostly from eastern states, one variety, Miscanthus x giganteus, has shown “unsurpassed productivity” in the Midwest, according to researchers.