20 May 2005 Page 1 of 2 

Plant Conservation Alliance®s Alien Plant Working Group 

Xeeds HoneXild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas 

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/

FACT SHEET: FOUNTAIN GRASS

Fountain Grass 

Pennisetum setaceum (Forsk.) Chiov 

Grass family (Poaceae) 

NATIVE RANGE 

Northern Africa 

DESCRIPTION 

Fountain grass is an attractive perennial grass with a densely clumped growth 

form and erect stems that grow 2 to 3 feet high. The small flowers of fountain 

grass are grouped in pink or purple, bristly, upright inflorescences 6-15 inches 

long. Fruits are small, dry achenes adorned with long showy bristles. 

ECOLOGICAL THREAT 

Fountain grass is a highly aggressive, fire- adapted colonizer that readily 

outcompetes native plants and rapidly reestablishes after burning. In Hawaii, where it alters the natural fire regime, 

fountain grass is a major threat to some critically imperiled plant species and natural communities. Fountain grass raises 

fuel loads, which increases the intensity and spread of a fire, and results in severe damage to native, dry forest species 

adapted to less extreme fire regimes. 

DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES 

Fountain grass is found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Florida, 

Louisiana, and Tennessee. In the Hawaiian islands, it is found on the islands of 

Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, and Hawaii. 

HABITAT IN THE UNITED STATES 

In Hawaii, fountain grass invades many types of natural areas, from bare lava 

flows to rangelands. It has a wide elevational range but is limited to areas with 

a median annual rainfall of less than 50 inches. In southern California, fountain 

grass invades grasslands, deserts, canyons and roadsides. 

BACKGROUND 

First collected in Hawaii in 1914, fountain grass has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental grass. It 

is a poor pasture grass and a serious weed in many dry habitats. 

BIOLOGY & SPREAD 

Fountain grass is a perennial plant with primarily wind-dispersed seeds that may remain viable in the soil for six years or 

longer. Its seeds may be dispersed greater distances by water, vehicles, livestock and humans. 

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS 

The long-lived seeds of fountain grass make its control extremely difficult. Small infestations may be managed by 

uprooting plants by hand and destroying the inflorescences in order to prevent seed dispersal. Removal by hand may 

need to be repeated several times per year. Extensive infestations of fountain grass are probably best controlled with the 

help of herbicides, especially those with some systemic activity. 

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: Always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and wear all 

recommended personal protective gear and clothing. Contact your state department of agriculture for any additional pesticide use 

requirements, restrictions or recommendations. 

NOTICE: mention of pesticide products on this page does not constitute endorsement of any material.
20 May 2005 Page 2 of 2 

Plant Conservation Alliance®s Alien Plant Working Group 

Xeeds HoneXild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas 

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/

OTHER LINKS 

• http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/pennisetum_setaceum.htm

AUTHOR 

Nancy Benton, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA 

PHOTOGRAPH

Arnold A. Peterson, U.S. National Park Service, Death Valley National Park, CA 

REFERENCES 

Cronk, Q.C.B. and Fuller, J. 1995. Plant Invaders: The Threat to Natural Ecosystems. Chapman & Hall: London. World 

Wide Fund for Nature. 

Swearingen, J. 2009. WeedUS Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States: Fountain Grass 

(Pennisetum setaceum). http://www.invasive.org/weedus/subject.html?sub=6165. 

Tunison, J.T. 1992. Fountain grass control in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Management considerations and 

strategies. In C.P. Stone, C.W. Smith, and J.T. Tunison (eds.), Alien Plant Invasions in Native Ecosystems of 

Hawai`i: Management and Research. Univ. Hawaii Coop. Natl. Park Resour. Studies Unit. Univ. Hawaii Press, 

Honolulu. 

USDA, NRCS. 2009. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 

70874-4490 USA.