NAPIER GRASS
Scientific name: Pennisetum purpureum
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)/grass
Origin: Africa
Description:
Hardy perennial can grow to thirteen feet tall, forming dense clumps or groups from low offshoots or creeping roots (rhizomes). Leaf blades straight to narrowing, flat, often bluish green, to 3'3" long and one inch wide; blade margins are generally rough, mid-vein is stout, whitish above; a narrow rim densely fringed with white hairs can be found on upper leaf base next to stem. Flower is dense, forming at end of stem, spike-like, bristly, up to about eight inches long and two centimeters wide.
Habitat/Ecology:
Occurs on a wide range of soils and in many natural areas; very drought resistant. Flowers July through February, re-sprouts easily after mechanical control. Dense growth prevents regeneration of native vegetation.
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