Pennisetum villosum

Pennisetum villosum_C203-12
Photo: UC Davis Weeds of California

Common names: feathertop

Pennisetum villosum (feathertop) is a perennial grass (family Poaceae) with fuzzy white to light brown flowers and long narrow leaves found in the Sierra Nevada range, central coast ranges and southwestern ranges of California. It is native to Africa. It favors grasslands, dunes, and scrub and chaparral habitat. It spreads via rhizomes and seed. Seeds travel via mud, machinery, water, wind, animals, humans and dumped garden waste.

Cal-IPC Rating: Watch

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Risk Assessment - An evaluation of the potential for a plant to be invasive in California.

Weed Management Notes

No Weed RIC Management Notes are available for this species. Check for information on other species in the genus on the Weed RIC site.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Pennisetum villosum Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Pennisetum villosum_flower spikes_RonVanderhoff
    Pennisetum villosum (feathertop) flower spikes. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Pennisetum-villosum_leaf-blade-and-sheath_RonVanderhoff
    Pennisetum villosum (feathertop) leaf blade and sheath. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Pennisetum villosum_seed (fruit)_RonVanderhoff
    Pennisetum villosum (feathertop) seed (fruit). Photo: Ron Vanderhoff