Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly known as fountain grass, is a perennial grass native to Asia and Australia. Its arching stems and showy, brush-like flowers make it a popular ornamental grass in many gardens.

However, in some areas where it has been introduced, fountain grass can become invasive. This is particularly true in parts of the United States, where it has escaped from gardens and spread into natural areas. In these regions, it can form dense stands that outcompete native vegetation and alter natural fire regimes, which can harm native ecosystems.

Pennisetum alopecuroides is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.