Fountain Grass

Cenchrus setaceus

Family: Poaceae

Architectural Texture
Wind Movement
Burgundy Foliage
Invasive-Status Caution

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable. Not a food plant

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Not on the ASPCA cat or dog plant lists. Not being listed is not the same as confirmed safe, so keep pets from chewing it. The seed awns can also cause mechanical injury: embedding in paws, ears, or mouths: a known issue with bristly ornamental grasses generally.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for 'Hardy fountain grass' (Pennisetum alopecuroides), a separate, cold-hardy relative with its own invasive-status considerations. To tell them apart: No visual cue independently confirmed; check the botanical name and cultivar: this guide covers purple/crimson fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) specifically.. Hardy fountain grass is a different species not covered by this guide: don't apply the invasive-status finding or care notes to that plant.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: 9 - 11; grown as an annual in colder zones (UF/IFAS)
Mature size: Height: 4-6 ft. Spread: 2-4 ft (UF/IFAS EDIS FP464).
Where it comes from: Tropical Africa and the Middle East; the straight species is naturalized/invasive in parts of Florida

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon