Chinese Fountaingrass
Cenchrus alopecuroides
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Australia, China, Hainan, Japan, Jawa, Korea, Malaya, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nicobar Is., Ogasawara-shoto, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam
August Geyler
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Cenchrus
- Species:
- Cenchrus alopecuroides
- USDA Symbol:
- PEAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, white, pink
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, gold
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire; commonly used in restoration of fire-maintained grasslands.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to grasslands and open areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil temperatures (65-75°F). Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI