Ramie, Chinese Silk Plant, China Grass

I really like this plant. I like the feel of the rough leaves and how care free it is.

I grow it in the shade here in Sout...Read Moreh Central Texas and it makes a large, lush mound. During the drought last year, I couldn't give it enough water, and it looked quite poor, but when the rains came in the fall, it bounced right back. Then, it froze to the ground, and now I see new growth from the crown.

It will send out runners, but I haven't found it to be a pest. I just dig up the new plants when I want to give one to someone who admires the big plant.

Ah, I'm not sure where you're getting that Ramie is softer than silk, as the fiber is considered stiff and brittle. It does not hold up t...Read Moreo repeated flexing in the same spot and is usually used in fibre blends. It's poor in handling abrasion, and in general it's only main advantage is its strength when wet, making it good for nets. It is only more expensive than silk due to the requirements of processing (de-gumming the fibre is not as easy as boiling it, as you can do with silk)

That said, the plant is beautiful in form and quite an attractive foliage plant.

Ramie, Chinese Silk Plant, China Grass Boehmeria nivea is Naturalized in Texas and other States.

Ramie has the longest fibers of any plant used for thread production, 7 times stronger than silk and 8 times stronger than cotton.
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The fibers when raw spun resemble burlap or raw cotton in texture and is used in work clothing. When processed is softer than silk and much more durable. Also much more expensive.

The plant is also an excellent feed for about all livestock, cattle, pigs, chickens, etc. The VERY unusual leaf shape make it a standout in the garden.