Identification Guide For Invasive Exotic Plants of the Florida Keys

Scientific Name:
Common Name(s):
Pennisetum pupureum
Napier grass, elephant grass, Merker grass
Height:
Leaves:
Flowers:
Bark:
Fruit:
Other:
Treatment:
Clumping grass from six to ten feet tall
Leaf blades are linear or tapering, flat and often bluish green. Blades from
3/4- to one inch wide and ten to 24 inches long with fine-toothed margins.
Each leaf has a prominent white midrib.
Cylindrical flower spikes are tawny or purplish, six to ten inches long and
1/2 to 1 1/2 inches wide, somewhat resembling cattails.
N/A
Grass Seeds
Napier grass aggressively invades freshwater wetlands, canal banks, and
other areas with moist soil. It forms extensive stands and crowds out all other
vegetation. Can be confused with native foxtails. Grows well on a wide range
of soil types and in many habitats. Resprouts from rhizomes.
Foliar with 2% Roundup Pro
www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/badplants.htm
APIRS- http://aquat1.ifas.edu
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