eastern Asia; throughout most of China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea
It is a compact, upright, warm-season, clump-forming ornamental grass which typically grows to 3'-4' (infrequently to 5') tall. Features medium green blades (1/2" wide) with a reddish tinge which gradually develop further reddish hues as summer progresses, eventually turning a brilliant orange-red in fall. Foliage gradually darkens to an attractive burgundy by winter. Tiny reddish-tinged flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescenses above the foliage in late summer, gradually turning into creamy white plumes by fall as seeds mature.
It is not clear when this plant was first used as an ornamental in the United States