Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Crimson fountaingrass, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

  • Up to 5 ft. tall; round in cross-section; grows in bunches 
Photo of crimson fountaingrass stem
Crimson fountaingrass stem

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 
Photo of crimson fountaingrass plant
Crimson fountaingrass plant

Flower

  • Spike, 3-12 in. long and 1-2 in. wide; purplish bristles; can be droopy 
Photo of crimson fountaingrass plant
Crimson fountaingrass flower

Root

  • Fibrous
Photo of a hill with a field crimson fountaingrass plants

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 fluzaifop, glyphosate or sethoxydim to actively growing plants; imazapyr pre- or post emergence 

Learn more about the author(s)

Heidi Kratsch
Heidi Kratsch
 

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