Chinese Fountain Grass
Cenchrus alopecuroides
Also listed as Cenchrus asperifolius, Cenchrus compressus
Also known as Chinese Pennisetum, Black Fountaingrass, Swamp Foxtail Grass
Climate Match for your location
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A fine-textured ornamental grass with feathery, bottlebrush-like plumes that emerge in late summer and persist into fall. Drought-tolerant once established, it adds movement and interest to sunny garden spaces.
Why grow it
Chinese Fountain Grass offers finer texture and more delicate plumes than many clumping ornamental grasses, making it useful where a softer visual effect is desired in dry or difficult soils. It reaches moderate height (3-4 feet) and width, fitting intermediate spaces where larger miscanthus or smaller sedges might be less suitable. Once established, it requires minimal supplemental water in most climates, reducing maintenance compared to more moisture-dependent ornamental species.
Watch out for
This grass can take a season or two to reach full size and flowering capability, so patience is needed during establishment. In areas with hot, humid summers, ensure good air circulation around the plant to reduce fungal issues. Cutting back spent plumes in late winter or early spring requires care to avoid damaging emerging new growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Central and South Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fine-textured ornamental grass with feathery, bottlebrush-like plumes that emerge in late summer and persist into fall. Drought-tolerant once established, it adds movement and interest to sunny garden spaces.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chinese Fountain Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chinese Fountain Grass offers finer texture and more delicate plumes than many clumping ornamental grasses, making it useful where a softer visual effect is desired in dry or difficult soils. It reaches moderate height (3-4 feet) and width, fitting intermediate spaces where larger miscanthus or smaller sedges might be less suitable. Once established, it requires minimal supplemental water in most climates, reducing maintenance compared to more moisture-dependent ornamental species.
Watch out for
This grass can take a season or two to reach full size and flowering capability, so patience is needed during establishment. In areas with hot, humid summers, ensure good air circulation around the plant to reduce fungal issues. Cutting back spent plumes in late winter or early spring requires care to avoid damaging emerging new growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Central and South Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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