Placed taxonomically in Cenchrus within the grass family Poaceae, Pennisetum villosa sits among species that occur across tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide. Recent taxonomic revisions have merged many former Pennisetum taxa into Cenchrus, so names such as fountain grass are often used for plants in this group; their compact, bristled flowerheads give a recognisable texture when in bloom. For cultivation in Britain, select a sunny, well-drained and sheltered spot where soil does not remain waterlogged, as plants of this group perform best away from persistent winter wet. Allow flowerheads to develop through their UK season from July to September and remove dead material in late winter or early spring to make way for fresh growth. Sit Pennisetum villosa where its textured seedheads can be seen — gravel beds, mixed grass borders or at the back of a herbaceous border suit its architectural form. Be mindful of the spine-covered burs typical of Cenchrus: they can cling to clothing and animal fur and are an effective natural dispersal mechanism, so avoid placing the plant where burrs might be a nuisance.

Pennisetum villosa is a grass in the family Poaceae placed within the genus Cenchrus. It is part of a group characterised by compact, bristled, burr-like inflorescences. In the UK it flowers from July to September. Species once treated as Pennisetum are commonly referred to as fountaingrasses.

Pennisetum villosa is a Cenchrus grass that flowers from July to September and bears bristled, burr-like seedheads.

About

More in the Cenchrus genus