Feathertop
Cenchrus longisetus
- Native to:
- Eritrea, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen
Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net (www.mikepeel.net) ).,Magnus Manske,Magnus Manske,Dinkum,Jebulon,AfroBrazilian,Arthur Chapman (www.flickr.com),Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova,Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Cenchrus
- Species:
- Cenchrus longisetus
- USDA Symbol:
- PEVI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, golden
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from base after fire; tolerates occasional burning typical of grassland ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Germinates readily at warm temperatures (70-75°F). Light may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI