Based on the natural patterns of phase texture distribution of (alpha+beta) biphase brass substrate, we synthesize the patterned quasi-aligned Zn2GeO4 coated ZnO nanowires by one-step thermal evaporation of the mixture powders of GeO2 and C, and characterize the products by means of X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. It is observed that following the self-catalyzed effect of the Zn clusters, quasi-aligned Zn2GeO4 coated ZnO nanowires grow site-selectively on the surface of island-shaped alpha phase and form novel patterns which inherit the distribution of alpha phase on the substrate. According to the pattern and feature of phase texture distribution of the alloy substrate, we can synthesize the patterned nanowires arrays with controlled location and distribution in a more effective way. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.