Pennisetum villosum Seeds | Feathertop Grass
LATIN NAME: Pennisetum villosum
COMMON NAME: Feathertop Grass
Plant Profile
Pennisetum villosum, commonly known as Feathertop Grass, is a grass, native to dry lands of northeastern Africa and arabia. Young plant grows into a flat-topped crown, around ten metres at maturity. Site it in full sun, in ordinary, well-drained ground. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Pennisetum villosum ranges from the botany of the Pennisetum group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. As a member of large genus Pennisetum, it has also been studied in plant taxonomy. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Feathertop Grass for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, feathertop grass is a generous plant of warm garden. Its fluffy flower heads feed small insects, its dense clumps give shelter for wildlife, and as a native of dry lands it thrives with little water. Its economic value lies mainly in ornamental horticulture. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Fountain grasses are graceful ornamentals, while their relative pearl millet is a drought-proof staple grain feeding millions in Africa and India.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Feathertop Grass under ordinary good conditions. Growing feathertop grass from seed is easy and very rewarding. Seeds sit in fluffy flower heads, and they do well in warm, light conditions, so sow them in pots of seed compost in spring, cover them very lightly, and keep them warm, bright and lightly moist. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in full sun until the seedlings are well up. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
It comes from dry lands of northeastern africa and arabia, which is the best clue to the conditions it enjoys in cultivation. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
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