Cenchrus alopecuroides Seeds | Chinese Fountain Grass
LATIN NAME: Cenchrus alopecuroides
COMMON NAME: Chinese Fountain Grass, Foxtail Fountain Grass, Swamp Foxtail Grass
Plant Profile
Chinese Fountain Grass (Cenchrus alopecuroides) is a clump-forming, perennial in the grass family. The Chinese fountain grass is one of the most graceful of all the ornamental grasses, and its plumes of silvery floss sway beautifully in the wind. Established plants reach around Sixty to a hundred centimetres. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Cenchrus alopecuroides sits in the grass family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Species has also been studied in botany, since the genus Cenchrus, which includes species formerly known as Pennisetum, is of interest in classification of the grasses. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Fountain Grass has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, the Chinese fountain grass is a generous grass of moist ground. Its plumes feed and shelter insects, its seeds feed small birds, and its dense clumps give cover for wildlife, while it brings movement and light to late summer garden. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Sandbur grasses are mostly forage and pasture plants of dry country; a few are grains of famine regions, valued for surviving where little else grows.
Growing from Seed
Starting Chinese Fountain Grass from seed is simple and satisfying. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Being a clump-forming, perennial, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.
Related Reading
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