Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - December 07, 2014
From: Hitchcock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Controlling non-native Pennisetum frutescens (Naked fountain grass)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Three years ago I bought a pennisetum frutescans grass from a reputable online nursery. It gets no supplemental water, but it is taking over my yard. It is almost 7 feet wide now. Can you tell me how to stop the invasion?ANSWER:
Pennisetum frutescens (Naked fountain grass) is a native of southern South America (Argentina and Paraguay) and it is listed of "Least Concern" as an endangered or threatened species on the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There are other species of Pennisetum that are listed as invasive by the Global Species webpage, but P. frutescens is not so listed. Notably, P. ciliare [synonym=Cenchrus ciliaris](Buffelgrass) is listed in the Texas Invasives list. The suggestion given on their webpage is hand pulling and herbicides to control it. P. alopecuroides (Fountain grass), another grass in the Genus Pennisetum, is listed as invasive by the National Park Service. Unfortunately, they do not give any control methods. California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) lists P. setaceum (Crimson fountain grass) as invasive and has a thorough discussion of various control measures including mechanical, chemical and biological controls. They do indicate that it is difficult to get rid of since its seeds are long-lived but they say that a combination of chemical and mechanical methods are the most effective. Since I could find no specific recommendations for eliminating or controlling P. frutescens, I think your best bet is to follow the recommendations on the Cal-IPC webpage for P. setaceum. They give detailed analyses of chemical methods and offer suggestions for mechanical removal. You will need to be persistent in removing new growth by whatever means you choose. When using chemical control, be cautious follow the safety instructions given with the chemicals to protect yourself, other plants you want to keep, and the environment.
More Non-Natives Questions
Looking for yellow bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.) and native substitutes
February 14, 2008 - I have been looking for years for a yellow bottle bush. It is identical to the red but is yellow. there are several varieties, but the one i want is just like the red one in appearance. I live in Flor...
view the full question and answer
Non-native impatiens from Charlottesville VA
June 09, 2011 - Question about type of impatiens. My Alabama mother grew these and called them touch-me-not. They grow about 2 feet tall and blooms grow UNDER the leaf canopy up the stem. Colors I have are pale pink ...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Chamaecyparis pisiflora turning brown in Fuqua-Varina NC
December 10, 2012 - I have a "Soft Serve False Cypress" Chamaecyparis pisifera'Dow Whiting PPAF, that has only been in the ground for 6-7 months. I just noticed that the branches and leaves are starting to die, turni...
view the full question and answer
Can orange trees be grown in Albany, CA
August 17, 2008 - Can we grow an orange tree in Albany, CA?
view the full question and answer
Is Mimosa pudica poisonous from Janesville WI
February 21, 2014 - I have just recently learned of Mimosa Pudica also known as the sensitive plant. I see using the USDA website that it can be found in the USA so I think that covers the North America aspect. I have b...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |