Lexi Webster
Foxtail grass, also known as Pennisetum, is a genus with about 80 species that originate from warm-temperate to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. In Australia, foxtail grass is native to the country and is commonly found in New South Wales and Queensland. It is a green-leaved ornamental grass with an arching habit and creamy white flowers with a small amount of purple inside. Foxtail grass is drought-tolerant, has vigorous rhizomes, and can handle any soil. It is also cultivated as an ornamental grass in Australia and is sometimes found in gardens, roadsides, and vacant land.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Feathertop grass, White foxtail grass, Longstyle feather grass, Swamp foxtail grass, Chinese swamp grass, Kikuyu grass, African Fountain Grass, Feather Top, Native foxtail grass |
| Genus | Pennisetum |
| Species | Cenchrus longisetus, P. alopecuroides, P. clandestinum, P. setaceum, P. villosum |
| Origin | Warm-temperate to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, New Zealand, North and South America, South Africa, Italy, the Azores |
| Height | 70-90 cm |
| Width | 90 cm |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water | Low water, drought-tolerant |
| Soil | Can handle any soil |
| Growth | Easy to grow, rhizomatous |
| Flower colour | Creamy white with a small amount of purple inside |
| Flower season | Summer to autumn |
| Fertilization | Fertilize when first planting out and only subsequently if your soil is poor |
| Pruning | Prune the clump back close to ground level once a year |
| Propagation | Propagate by splitting the clump and replanting about one quarter every 3-4 years |
| Uses | Agriculture, civil, commercial and domestic landscaping, ornamental grass, pasture grass |
| Weeds | Frequent weed in urban areas, footpaths, vacant land, roadsides, creek banks, degraded pastures, neglected areas, gardens |
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What You'll Learn
Foxtail grass is native to Australia
Foxtail grass, or more specifically swamp foxtail grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), is native to Australia. It is a green-leaved ornamental grass with an arching habit and creamy white flowers with a small amount of purple inside. It is a tough, hardy, and rampant grass that can handle any soil and is drought-tolerant. It will mature to around 90 x 90 cm and is easy to grow. It is native to Australia and Asia and gets its name from the flower's resemblance to a fox's tail.
Swamp foxtail grass is a popular landscaping choice in Australia, particularly in public areas with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. It is also used in civil, commercial, and domestic landscaping. Its vigorous rhizomes can run deep in the soil and horizontally, which can cause problems when grown adjacent to garden beds, requiring a committed maintenance programme to control.
In addition to swamp foxtail grass, there is also a type of grass known as long-style feather grass (Cenchrus longisetus) that is sometimes referred to as white foxtail grass. This type of grass is not native to Australia but has been frequently cultivated as an ornamental grass and is often considered a weed in Australia. It is native to northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and is also naturalised in New Zealand, North and South America, Asia, South Africa, Italy, and the Azores.
Long-style feather grass is a densely tufted rhizomatous perennial grass that can grow up to 70-90 cm high. It is distinguished by its dense, cylindrical seed heads surrounded by light green or white bristles. It prefers moister areas of southern Australia and is mostly found in urban areas, invading disturbed soils, roadsides, footpaths, and neglected areas.
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Foxtail grass is an invasive weed in Australia
Another species of foxtail grass that is recognised as a weed in Australia is the swamp foxtail grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides). This species is native to Australia and Asia and is commonly used as an ornamental grass in gardens. It has a finer texture, is more drought-tolerant, more compact, and has better winter colour than other grasses. However, it can become invasive if not properly maintained, particularly when grown adjacent to garden beds.
The spread of foxtail grass in Australia is mainly due to cultivation and road grading, which disperses fragments of rhizomes to other areas. Localised rhizome growth increases the size and density of existing colonies. The bristles on the spikelets also enable them to attach themselves to animals, clothing, and bags, aiding in their dispersal.
The invasion of foxtail grass in Australia has several negative impacts on the environment and agriculture. As mentioned earlier, it reduces grazing areas for livestock and contaminates wool. Additionally, foxtail grass can outcompete native plant species, disrupt natural ecosystems, and impact water flow and quality in invaded areas.
Controlling the spread of foxtail grass in Australia requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Cultural control involves responsible gardening practices, such as choosing alternative non-invasive plant species for landscaping and maintaining garden beds to prevent the spread of rhizomes. Mechanical control includes physical removal of the weed, such as mowing or hand-pulling, and ensuring proper disposal of plant fragments to prevent further dispersal. Chemical control involves the use of herbicides specifically designed for weed control, which should always be used according to the instructions on the label.
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Foxtail grass is cultivated as an ornamental grass in Australia
Foxtail grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum alopecuroides, is a native grass species found in Australia and Asia. It is also known as swamp foxtail grass, Chinese swamp grass, or native foxtail grass. This ornamental grass features an arching habit with creamy white flowers tinged with a hint of purple. Its feathery flower plumes, resembling a fox's tail, are truly a sight to behold.
In Australia, foxtail grass is cultivated as an ornamental plant, particularly in gardens and landscapes. Its ability to thrive in various conditions, including drought tolerance and adaptability to different soil types, makes it a versatile choice for gardeners and landscapers. With a mature height and width of around 90 cm, foxtail grass adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
One of the most appealing characteristics of foxtail grass is its showy, feathery flower plumes. These distinctive flowers emerge during the summer and autumn months, providing a stunning display of nature's beauty. The fine texture of the grass, combined with its compact growth habit, makes it a favourite among those seeking to create a lush and aesthetically pleasing environment.
While foxtail grass is prized for its ornamental value, it is important to note that it can also be considered a weed in certain contexts. In urban areas, foxtail grass has been known to invade disturbed soils, particularly along roadsides, footpaths, and vacant land. Its ability to spread through rhizomes and seed dispersal contributes to its presence as a weed in some locations.
Despite its potential to spread, foxtail grass is relatively easy to cultivate and maintain. It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional fertilisation and pruning to maintain its fresh appearance. Foxtail grass is a resilient plant that can withstand challenging conditions, including low rainfall and varying temperatures.
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Foxtail grass is used in agriculture in Australia
Foxtail grass, scientifically known as Cenchrus purpurascens, is a native Australian grass species commonly used in agriculture and landscaping. It is characterised by its fine texture, drought tolerance, compact form, and attractive winter colour. With a maximum height of 1 metre and a width of 80 centimetres, it is a suitable addition to various landscapes and gardens.
This ornamental grass is frost hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as −7°C. It is adaptable to most soil types, even poorly drained soils, and thrives in full sun. C. purpurascens is relatively easy to cultivate and propagate, making it a popular choice for agricultural and landscaping purposes. Its propagation methods include seed germination and root division, with the latter being preferred when aiming for identical reproductions of cultivars.
One notable variety of foxtail grass is the Swamp Foxtail or Fountain Grass (C. purpurascens), which occurs naturally in moist environments such as flats below watercourses and boggy areas. It is native to tropical Queensland and the southern regions of New South Wales, primarily along the coast. This variety is characterised by gracefully arching leaves that can grow up to 80 centimetres long and bear feathery, predominantly purplish flower heads on erect stems that can reach heights of 60 to 100 centimetres.
Another variety, the Long-style Feather Grass (Cenchrus longisetus), is a tufted perennial grass that can grow up to 90 centimetres tall. It is distinguished by its dense, cylindrical seed heads and prominent feathery flowers. While it has been cultivated as an ornamental grass in Australia, it is often considered a weed in urban areas, particularly along roadsides, footpaths, and vacant land. This variety is unpalatable to livestock and can negatively impact grazing areas and wool production.
In summary, foxtail grass is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing addition to Australia's agricultural and landscaping industries. Its ability to adapt to various soil and climate conditions, ease of cultivation, and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for farmers and gardeners alike. However, it is essential to distinguish between native varieties, such as C. purpurascens, and potentially invasive ones like C. longisetus, to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
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Foxtail grass is used in landscaping in Australia
Foxtail grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum alopecuroides, is a native grass species in Australia. It is also commonly known as swamp foxtail grass, Chinese swamp grass, or native foxtail grass. This ornamental grass is characterised by its green leaves, arching habit, and creamy white flowers tinged with purple. With a height and width of up to 90 cm, foxtail grass is a compact and drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun and low water conditions. Its showy, feathery flower plumes appear from summer to autumn, adding visual appeal to landscapes.
In Australia, foxtail grass is frequently used in landscaping due to its adaptability and aesthetic qualities. It is well-suited for civil, commercial, and domestic landscaping projects. One of the most popular species for ornamental purposes is P. alopecuroides, which is native to Australia, specifically from southern New South Wales to northern Queensland. Its ability to grow in any type of soil and withstand drought makes it a versatile choice for landscaping in various environments.
The grass is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance once established. Fertilising is recommended during the initial planting phase, and subsequently only if the soil is poor. Pruning the clump back to ground level once a year helps maintain the plant's fresh appearance. Additionally, propagating by rhizome is an effective method to expand the plant population. While foxtail grass is generally resilient, heavy frosts can be detrimental, although the plant usually recovers once the frosts subside.
While foxtail grass is valued for its landscaping potential, it is important to note that it can become invasive in certain contexts. In urban areas, foxtail grass can be considered a weed, particularly along roadsides, footpaths, and in neglected spaces. Its ability to spread through rhizome growth and translocation contributes to its weed-like behaviour. However, when managed responsibly, foxtail grass can be a beautiful and functional addition to landscapes in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Foxtail Grass is a native grass that has a finer texture, is more drought-tolerant, more compact, and has better winter colour than the common form. It is also known as feathertop grass or white foxtail grass.
Foxtail Grass is native to Australia and Asia. It is a green-leaved ornamental grass with creamy white flowers with a small amount of purple inside. It can be found in southern NSW and northern QLD.
The scientific name for Foxtail Grass is Pennisetum alopecuroides. It is a genus with about 80 species which originate from warm-temperate to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Foxtail Grass is easy to grow and can handle any soil. It is drought-tolerant and will mature to 90x90cm. Fertilize when first planting out and only subsequently if your soil is poor. Fertilizers high in available nitrogen will result in massive leaf growth at the cost of fewer flower heads.
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