Family: Poaceae
Author: (L.) Spreng.
Bibliography: Unknown
Year: Unknown
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pennisetum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Unknown
Description
Chinese fountain grass, scientifically named Pennisetum alopecuroides, is an ornamental species belonging to the Poaceae family. Known for its graceful, arching leaves and striking flower spikes, this perennial grass is a popular choice for both public landscapes and private gardens.
This species features lush, green foliage that forms neat, fountain-like clumps, reaching up to 3 feet in height. The slender leaves create a soft, cascading effect that adds texture and movement to any garden setting. In the late summer and into the autumn, Chinese fountain grass produces distinctive flower spikes. These inflorescences resemble fluffy bottlebrushes, showcasing a light, airy appearance that can vary in color from cream to tan, and occasionally feature a subtle hint of pink or purple.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Pennisetum alopecuroides is valued for its hardiness and adaptability. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for different garden conditions. Additionally, it is well-suited to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. This grass is drought-resistant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-effort beauty.
While the detailed observations and a comprehensive bibliography on Chinese fountain grass are not provided here, its enduring popularity among landscape designers and horticulturists speaks to its reliability and visual charm. Whether used as a focal plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed border, Pennisetum alopecuroides consistently offers a graceful presence that enhances the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Common Names
En: Chinese fountain grass, Foxtail fountain grass, Swamp-foxtail, Swamp foxtail grass, Chinese fountaingrass
Zh: Lang wei cao
Fr: Pennisétum
De: Japanisches Federborstengras, Kängurugras, Japanisches Lampenputzergras
Sv: Lampborstgräs
Synonyms
Distribution
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 29, 2020 by david david (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by iustina safta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Herm Rolf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 7, 2022 by GREETAUL512 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2022 by GREETAUL512 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by Jolien Van Steenberge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2020 by rokhaya samb (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 30, 2011 by Salomon NOHRA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2020 by C Flower (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2022 by ilias kesisoglou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2020 by aluschka (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Sep 13, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Szilvi Kecskés (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2706156)
