Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum setaceum, commonly known as fountain grass or crimson fountain grass, is considered invasive in many areas. Native to North Africa, the Middle East, and southwest Asia, it has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful feathery plumes.

In places like the southwestern United States, Australia, and several Pacific islands, fountain grass has become a serious problem. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a range of soil conditions, enabling it to invade a variety of habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, and open woodlands. It forms dense stands that outcompete native plants for resources, and its seeds are easily dispersed by wind and water.

Fountain grass is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily and burn intensely. In areas prone to wildfires, this can not only increase fire risk but also help the grass spread after a fire, since it can quickly colonize burned areas before native plants have a chance to recover.

Fountain Grass 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.