Tender Fountaingrass

Pennisetum setaceum

-30

Harmful

Profile 76%

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Louisiana.

At a glance

JFMAMJJASOND

Not yet recorded · Leaves

Recorded in 2 Louisiana parishes.

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

Ecological relationships

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

—Specialist beesPollen specialists

—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Growing and identification

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Bloom · “May to October” · Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition · Carolinas and Georgia
Flower color · “Pink, purple or red” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Hardiness · “Zones 9a–11b” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “3–4 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Life cycle · “Annual” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Moist; Occasionally dry” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Spread · “3–4 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox

Also known as

Fountain Grass; Pennisetum setaceum; Tender Fountain Grass