What does it look like?
Chinese pennisetum is an erect, tufted grass that grows up to one metre tall. It’s unpalatable to stock and has erect leaves that are light green on top and darker green underneath. The plant produces distinctive white to purple‑brown bottlebrush‑shaped seed heads and has a deep root system.
It is only known to occur in the wild in just a few locations in New Zealand. However, the seed can be easily spread by attaching to clothing, wool and animals, allowing it to establish in new areas.
Why is it a problem?
Chinese pennisetum is generally unpalatable to livestock, so reduces available grazing area. It outcompetes native species in vulnerable habitats and invades established plant communities. It has the potential to cause sand build-up and changes habitat, leading to erosion or flooding elsewhere, and loss of wetlands. It’s also a fire hazard and can harbour rats and mice.
Control methods
Control of Chinese fountain grass should not be carried out by individuals.
Please report all sightings our biosecurity team on 06 835 9200.
More information
Also known as ‘Chinese fountain grass’, Chinese pennisetum is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it’s capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Any species declared an unwanted organism cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.
Related links
Management Programme
National Pest Plant Accord
All plants on MPI's National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) are unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993 whose formal or casual trade contributes significantly to their spread.
Plants on the Accord cannot legally be propagated, distributed, or sold in New Zealand. If allowed to spread further, these pest plants could seriously damage our economy and environment.
Unwanted Organism
An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
More informationTaxonomies
FamilyPoaceae
TypePlants
GroupGrass
HabitatLand
Management ProgrammeNational Pest Plant AccordUnwanted Organism
