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Pennisetum alopecuroides
Fountain Grass
Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia) and Australia; synonym: Cenchrus alopecuroidesLearn more
Overview
A clump-forming ornamental grass in the family Poaceae, native to eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia) and Australia, growing in open hillsides, grasslands, and forest margins. Plants form dense, arching mounds 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall and equally wide of narrow, bright green, linear leaves 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide that arch gracefully outward from the crown. From midsummer through fall, bristly, bottlebrush-like flowering spikes 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long rise just above the foliage on arching stems, in shades of purplish-pink aging to tan-beige, remaining ornamental well into winter. Foliage turns golden-yellow in fall. Grown widely in the Pacific Northwest for its reliable ornamental performance, low maintenance, and multi-season interest. Note that Pennisetum alopecuroides has been reclassified by some authorities to Cenchrus alopecuroides — both names appear in current horticultural literature. Listed as invasive in parts of Australia and some southeastern US states; not currently invasive in the Pacific Northwest. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, and to Australia, growing in open grasslands, hillsides, and forest margins in well-drained soils in full sun.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen, massed ground cover, or border accent at 30–36 inch (75–90 cm) spacing. Outstanding in mixed borders combined with late-blooming perennials (rudbeckia, echinacea, asters). Effective in contemporary, prairie-style, and Japanese-inspired garden designs. The arching mound form and persistent seed heads provide structure and movement through fall and winter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering spikes emerge August through September and remain ornamental through late fall and into winter, slowly fading from purplish-pink to tan-beige. Foliage turns golden-yellow in October–November. In the Pacific Northwest, the multi-season interest — summer green mound, fall gold foliage, and persistent winter seed heads — makes this one of the most valuable ornamental grasses for the region.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
purplish-pink to tan-beige; bristly bottlebrush-like spikesFoliage Description
bright green in summer; golden-yellow in fall; narrow, linear, archingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Tolerates drought, heat, poor soil, and brief periods of wet conditions; performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with consistent moisture during the growing season. Cut back hard to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above the ground in late winter to early spring (February–March) before new growth begins — use hedge shears or loppers. Division every 3–5 years in early spring maintains vigor. Hardy to zone 5 with good drainage.Pruning
Cut the entire clump back to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late February to early March before new growth begins — this is the single annual maintenance task. Tie the clump with twine before cutting to make cleanup easier. Division every 3–5 years in early spring: lift the clump, divide with a sharp spade or saw, and replant vigorous outer sections. Dispose of seed heads before dispersal if growing in areas near natural grassland habitats.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons