Fountain grass and other ornamental grasses have added tremendously to the urban landscape. However, we are now seeing some of these grasses escape from the ornamental beds into the turf. One in particular is fountain grass (Penisetum spp) because it produces viable seeds which blow into surrounding turf and may germinate. Though most of the ornamental grasses cannot withstand mowing, fountain grass can. However, fountain grass has a tough blade which shreds when mowed, creating a whitish clump in the turf (photos). We are currently experimenting with a number of selective herbicides to control escaped fountain grass, but the current best control is wick-applied glyphosate. Learn more about controlling fountain grass in turf at our Turf Field Day on July 18. Registration information is available at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/events/fieldday/06fdatt.pdf
Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu