When we hear that a plant is a weed, we often envision something unpleasant to see, touch or have nearby, such as a stinging nettle or some thistles. If that were true, weed control would be less challenging than it is – everyone would want to remove the pests!
The unfortunate fact is, a plant need not be ugly to pose a big problem. Some of our most environmentally destructive weeds were actually introduced as lovely landscape plants. Only after they have become overly successful, crowding out members of the native plant community, does their negative potential become clear.
One of those pest plants is green fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum. It has thrived throughout the world wherever it has been introduced. In the Western United States, its drought tolerance gives it an advantage over less tolerant native or introduced plants.
For the complete description, how to control it and replacement plants, use the link below to download the PDF version.
O'Callaghan, A. M., and Robinson, ML
2014,
Green Fountain Grass,
Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-14-11
Extension Associated Contacts
Associated Programs
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that reduces pests to tolerable levels with lower costs for the pest manager or home gardener and minimal effect on the environment. The IPM program at University of Nevada, Reno Extension focuses on identification and public education with resources for the community including classes, Spanish language resources and a pest directory.
Green Fountain Grass
When we hear that a plant is a weed, we often envision something unpleasant to see, touch or have nearby, such as a stinging nettle or some thistles. If that were true, weed control would be less challenging than it is – everyone would want to remove the pests!
The unfortunate fact is, a plant need not be ugly to pose a big problem. Some of our most environmentally destructive weeds were actually introduced as lovely landscape plants. Only after they have become overly successful, crowding out members of the native plant community, does their negative potential become clear.
One of those pest plants is green fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum. It has thrived throughout the world wherever it has been introduced. In the Western United States, its drought tolerance gives it an advantage over less tolerant native or introduced plants.
For the complete description, how to control it and replacement plants, use the link below to download the PDF version.
Published by:
O'Callaghan, A. M., and Robinson, ML, 2014, Green Fountain Grass, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-14-11
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