Chinese Packing Grass
Microstegium vimineum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Chinese Packing Grass (Microstegium vimineum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native alternatives to Chinese Packing Grass
Chinese Packing Grass is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaChinese packing grass is an invasive annual grass that forms dense patches in shaded areas. This non-native species aggressively spreads and crowds out beneficial native plants. It should never be planted and should be removed wherever found.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chinese Packing Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Invasive species banned in many areas
- Spreads aggressively and looks weedy
- Will be viewed negatively by neighbors
Wildlife value
This invasive grass provides little to no wildlife value and actually harms native ecosystems by displacing plants that support local wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Chinese Packing Grass need?
- Chinese Packing Grass grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Chinese Packing Grass bloom?
- Chinese Packing Grass blooms in July, August, and September.
- Is Chinese Packing Grass HOA-friendly?
- Chinese Packing Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Chinese Packing Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz