Alternative Name(s): Tender fountain grass, African fountain grass Family: Poaceae Form: Grass Origin: Native to north east Africa Weed Type(s): Weed, Quarantine Weed, Noxious Weed, Naturalised, Introduced, Garden Escape, Environmental Weed, Cultivation Escape

Photo: G. Batianoff

Notes: Fountain grass is a densely tufted perennial growing to 900mm. The flowerhead is a long feathery spike which makes it attractive for garden cultivation. It spreads by seed, transported by wind and water or carried on clothing and in dumped garden waste.

It has been listed as a weed in Hawaii, the United States and South Africa. It is banned in New Zealand. It has become naturalised in the Northern Territory, Queensland, NSW, Western Australia and South Australia particularly on Eyre Peninsula. It is still sold as an ornamental.

References:

Randall, R. P. (2002). A Global Compendium of Weeds. R. G. & F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
Csurhes, S. and Edwards, R. (1998). Potential Environmental Weeds in Australia. National Weeds Program, Environment Australia, Canberra.