PENNISETUM. Fountain grass. Widespread, mostly in the tropics. These are mostly clumping perennial grasses with arching, narrow leaves and distinctive brushlike clusters of flowers. Both foliage and flowers can be quite colorful in some species. They are useful in drifts and borders. Some, unfortunately—the typical green leaved form of P. setaceum being a prime example—have serious invasive potential. Sun or light shade, most soils, moderate watering. Hardiness varies.

alopecuroides. Chinese pennisetum. This species makes dense clumps, up to 3’ tall, with bright green leaves and variously colored flower spikes on arching stems. ‘Moudry’ is a particularly showy selection, growing about 2' tall. It has dark, shiny leaves which color well in the fall. The flower “brushes” are greyish brown when they first appear, becoming almost black in fall. ‘Hameln’ is a more graceful plant with narrower leaves and cream-colored flowers, aging pale tan. ‘Little Bunny’ is a miniature selection, with radiating stems only 5-6” long and unusually shiny, dark green leaves. Most can be invasive in well-watered gardens. Hardy to 15^oF or less.

orientale. I have never been overly fond of this species, for reasons I can’t fully express. Yet gardeners insist on planting it in great numbers. True, it makes generous fountains of arching 1-3’ (more often 2’) stems, with narrow 4-8" leaves, though those of the prevalent forms tend to be a little pale and unexciting. The narrow interrupted flower clusters have a fluffy look; their initial color is cream-white, usually with a pink blush. Fortunately they do not seem to result in many unwanted volunteers. ‘Tall Tales’ is a robust cultivar, recently introduced. It grows at least 3’ high and has longer, broader, brighter green leaves and taller flower stalks than previous material. 10^oF. or less.