Green 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