Fountain Grass is a member of the Grass
Fa mily.
The plant is an attractive perennial bunch grass that grows in dense
clumps with erect stems that grow 2 to 3 feet high. Although found in a
wide elevation range, fountain grass is limited to areas with annual
rainfall of less than 50 inches. In the southwestern United States,
fountain grass invades grasslands, deserts, canyons and roadsides. In
the U.S. the grass is found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii,
Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
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Fountain Grass is native to
northern Africa. It has been introduced as an ornamental grass and
is now considered an aggressive weed which posses a threat to
native plants. |
Fountain Grass produces small, pink or purple
flowers that are grouped in bristly, upright clusters ranging from 6
to 15 inches in length. The fruits are small, dry seeds adorned with
long showy bristles. The seeds
are primarily dispersed by wind and may remain viable in the soil for
six years or longer. Seeds may also be dispersed greater distances by
water, vehicles, livestock and humans.
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