Crimson fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum)


Stem

  • Up to 5 ft. tall; round in cross-section; grows in bunches

    Leaves

    • Blades are flat to v-shaped, 0.5-2 ft. long and less than 0.16 in. wide; edges (margins) have long hairs, particularly near the collar

      Flower

      • Spike, 3-12 in. long and 1-2 in. wide; purplish bristles; can be droopy

        Root

        • Fibrous

          Other

          • Grows best in climates with mild winters; often infests disturbed areas such as roadsides, desert areas, washes and waste areas; known to occur in Clark County

          • Perennial; reproduces by seed

          • Can be a fire hazard

          • Ornamental; cultivars that DO NOT produce viable seed are NOT considered noxious in Nevada

            Control

            • Hand removal (including the crown) of individual plants is effective for small infestations

            • Burning is NOT effective and may cause weed density to increase

            • Apply glyphosate to actively growing plants

              Images

              Crimson fountaingrass mature plant
              Mature Plant
              Crimson fountaingrass Infestation
              Infestation
              Crimson fountaingrass Stem
              Stem
              Crimson fountaingrass Seed head
              Seed head
                Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide
              Nevada Noxious Weed Guide