"Majestic but Not Blind" — Can You Tell Reed from Silvergrass?

▲ The area around Yangmingshan’s Lengshuikeng is currently in full bloom with silvergrass. (Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

Reporter Peng Huaiyu / Taipei Report

People often wonder, what’s the difference between silvergrass and reed? Though they look similar, their habits are completely opposite.Reeds thrive in moist environments, typically blooming around October. They usually grow in muddy tidal flats at river mouths or sandy areas near the coast, and can be seen at Taipei’s Tamsui River estuary and Tainan’s Sicao Wetlands. Silvergrass, on the other hand, prefers dry conditions and grows on sunny slopes of mountain ridges.Autumn silvergrass, also known as whiteback silvergrass, blooms from September to November.Especiallyin November, it is now flourishing wildly. Yangmingshan’s Qingtiangang, Lengshuikeng, Jinbaoli Avenue, Xiaoyoukeng, and even areas like Datun Mountain, Ruifang, and Jiufen are all fantastic spots for autumn silvergrass viewing.

▲ Reed stems are clearly defined, with no fuzzy appearance, and are mostly found in muddy tidal flats at river mouths or sandy areas near the coast. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

The end of November should be deep autumn, but persistently high temperatures have delayed the flowering season. Before the peak foliage season arrives, immersing yourself in a sea of silvergrass has its own unique charm. The white to light brown velvety flower spikes cover the hillsides, swaying gracefully in the wind. From afar, the clusters look adorable, and every casual snapshot looks like a postcard.If you’re planning to head out to admire the silvergrass and take artistic photos, you’ll need to move quickly.

▲ The hillsides of Yangmingshan’s Lengshuikeng are covered with lush, spectacular blooms of silvergrass. (Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

▲ While visiting Yangmingshan to see silvergrass, you can also explore Milk Lake and nearby attractions. (Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

▲ In autumn and winter, it gets dark early, so it’s recommended to arrive early. (Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

Silvergrass Viewing at Yangmingshan’s Qingtiangang and Lengshuikeng
Admission:
Free; parking is subject to fees. Charging hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but spaces are limited. On weekdays, per-entry fees are NT$50 for small cars, NT$50 for large motorcycles, and NT$20 for regular motorcycles. On holidays, regular motorcycles are charged per entry at NT$20 each, while other vehicle types are charged hourly: NT$30 for small cars and NT$30 for large motorcycles.
Public Transport:
Take bus 108 (Park Bus) or mini-bus 15 to Lengshuikeng or Qingtian Gang.
Friendly Reminder:
The last bus down the mountain departs at 17:30, with additional services added based on passenger volume. To avoid traffic and missing the bus, it’s recommended to arrive early.