Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 26
|
Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i. Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service Information on
Risk Assessments |
Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov.; Phalaris setacea, Pennisetum ruppelii; fountain grass |
Answer |
||
1.01 |
Is the species highly domesticated? |
y=-3, n=0 |
n |
1.02 |
Has the species become naturalized where grown? |
y=-1, n=-1 |
y |
1.03 |
Does the species have weedy races? |
y=-1, n=-1 |
y |
2.01 |
Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical” |
See Append 2 |
2 |
2.02 |
Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2 |
2 |
|
2.03 |
Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
2.04 |
Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
2.05 |
Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2 |
?=-1, n=0 |
y |
3.01 |
Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05 |
y |
|
3.02 |
Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
n |
3.03 |
Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
y |
3.04 |
Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
y |
3.05 |
Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
y |
4.01 |
Produces spines, thorns or burrs |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.02 |
Allelopathic |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.03 |
Parasitic |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.04 |
Unpalatable to grazing animals |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
4.05 |
Toxic to animals |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.06 |
Host for recognized pests and pathogens |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.07 |
Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.08 |
Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
4.09 |
Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.1 |
Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
4.11 |
Climbing or smothering growth habit |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
4.12 |
Forms dense thickets |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
5.01 |
Aquatic |
y=5, n=0 |
n |
5.02 |
Grass |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
5.03 |
Nitrogen fixing woody plant |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
5.04 |
Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers) |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
6.01 |
Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
6.02 |
Produces viable seed. |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
6.03 |
Hybridizes naturally |
y=1, n=-1 |
|
6.04 |
Self-compatible or apomictic |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
6.05 |
Requires specialist pollinators |
y=-1, n=0 |
n |
6.06 |
Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
6.07 |
Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1 |
See left |
1 |
7.01 |
Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas) |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
7.02 |
Propagules dispersed intentionally by people |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
7.03 |
Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
7.04 |
Propagules adapted to wind dispersal |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
7.05 |
Propagules water dispersed |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
7.06 |
Propagules bird dispersed |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
7.07 |
Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
7.08 |
Propagules survive passage through the gut |
y=1, n=-1 |
|
8.01 |
Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
8.02 |
Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr) |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
8.03 |
Well controlled by herbicides |
y=-1, n=1 |
y |
8.04 |
Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
8.05 |
Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents) |
y=-1, n=1 |
n |
Total score: |
26 |
Supporting data:
Notes |
Source |
|
1.01 |
no evidence |
|
1.02 |
"First collected in Hawaii in 1914, fountain grass has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental grass. In Hawaii, fountain grass invades many types of natural areas, from bare lava flows to rangelands. It has a wide elevational range but is limited to areas with a median annual rainfall of less than 50 inches. In southern California, fountain grass invades grasslands, deserts, canyons and roadsides." |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
1.03 |
An ornamental cultivar "Rubrum" or "Cupreum" is recognized, which produce no seed, while normal form is recognized as a weed. |
(1) Cunliffe, B. A. Meyer, M. H. Ascher, P. D. (2001)
Propagation of Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' from cuttings. Journal of
Environmental Horticulture, 2001, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 1-3, 18 ref. |
2.01 |
Native: |
USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm
Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. National Germplasm
Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. |
2.02 |
||
2.03 |
(1) Hardiness Range 9A to 10B |
(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN
1-887215-07-7. |
2.04 |
Native: AFRICA Northern Africa: Algeria; Egypt; Libya; Morocco; Tunisia Northeast Tropical Africa: Eritrea; Ethiopia; Somalia; Sudan East Tropical Africa: Kenya; Tanzania South Tropical Africa: Zambia; Zimbabwe ASIA-TEMPERATE Arabian Peninsula: Oman; Saudi Arabia; Yemen Western Asia: Egypt - Sinai; Lebanon; Syria |
USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm
Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. National Germplasm
Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. |
2.05 |
Geographical range |
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=309&fr=1&sts= |
3.01 |
"First collected in Hawaii in 1914, fountain grass has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental grass. In Hawaii, fountain grass invades many types of natural areas, from bare lava flows to rangelands. It has a wide elevational range but is limited to areas with a median annual rainfall of less than 50 inches. In southern California, fountain grass invades grasslands, deserts, canyons and roadsides." |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
3.02 |
no evidence |
|
3.03 |
(1)It is not a good pasture grass, and it degrades the quality of pasture lands, particularly in drier areas. (2)Declared noxious. A poor forage grass which will spread into valuable pasture if not checked |
(1)http://www.hear.org/oisc/oisc_target_species/pennisetum_setaceum.htm (2)Hasselwood, E.L. and G.G. Motter. 1983.Handbook of Hawaiian Weeds. University of Hawai‘i Press. |
3.04 |
(1) "this plant is considered mildly invasive if planted
near undisturbed natural areas" |
(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN
1-887215-07-7. |
3.05 |
P. macroururm, P. pedicellatum, P. polystachyon are listed on the federal noxious weed list. |
http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi |
4.01 |
no description of these traits |
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/pennisetum_setaceum.htm |
4.02 |
no evidence |
|
4.03 |
no evidence |
|
4.04 |
(1)of low nutritive value and unpalatable to stock except for young growth and when alternative fodder is not available (2)Deer Resistant |
(1)http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/nreninf.nsf/childdocs/9B2A7AB4FD562D03CA256BC800058E91-18953CC10B4D6BA3CA256BC800062A07-ECC844336D72F0634A256DEA00293F8A-6041B6C680CC9356CA256BCF000AD55E?open (2)http://www.daytonnursery.com/Encyclopedia/Ornamental_Grass/Pennisetum.htm |
4.05 |
no evidence |
|
4.06 |
no evidence |
|
4.07 |
on the plant list of "High Allergens" [no evidence of allergen problems] |
M. L. Robinson. Allergenic Plants in Southern Nevada
(Landscaping for an allergy free yard.) |
4.08 |
AB: "created a higher risk of fire due to its architecture and low fuel moistures" |
Blackmore, M. Vitousek, P. M. (2000) Cattle grazing, forest loss, and fuel loading in a dry forest ecosystem at Pu'u Wa'aWa'a Ranch, Hawai'i. Biotropica, 2000, Vol. 32, No. 4a, pp. 625-632, 20 ref. |
4.09 |
(1) Exposure: Full sun |
(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN
1-887215-07-7. |
4.1 |
(1) Soil Condition" Loamy, sandy, clay, acidic, neutral,
slightly alkaline, salt intolerant, somewhat drought tolerant |
(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN
1-887215-07-7. |
4.11 |
"Fountain grass is an attractive perennial grass with a densely clumped growth form and erect stems that grow 2 to 3 feet high." |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
4.12 |
"perennial grass with a densely clumped growth form and erect stems that grow 2 to 3 feet high." [not impenetratable] |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
5.01 |
"In Hawaii, fountain grass invades many types of natural areas, from bare lava flows to rangelands. It has a wide elevational range but is limited to areas with a median annual rainfall of less than 50 inches. In southern California, fountain grass invades grasslands, deserts, canyons and roadsides. " |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
5.02 |
"Fountain grass is an attractive perennial grass with a densely clumped growth form and erect stems that grow 2 to 3 feet high." |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
5.03 |
no evidence |
|
5.04 |
perennial grass |
|
6.01 |
no evidence |
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm |
6.02 |
Propagated by Seed: Yes |
USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. |
6.03 |
no evidence |
|
6.04 |
"rely on apomictic seeds for reproduction" |
Goergen, E. Daehler, C. C. (2001) Reproductive ecology of a native Hawaiian grass (Heteropogon contortus; Poaceae) versus its invasive alien competitor (Pennisetum setaceum; Poaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 2001, Vol. 162, No. 2, pp. 317-326, 60 ref. |
6.05 |
"rely on apomictic seeds for reproduction" |
Goergen, E. Daehler, C. C. (2001) Reproductive ecology of a native Hawaiian grass (Heteropogon contortus; Poaceae) versus its invasive alien competitor (Pennisetum setaceum; Poaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 2001, Vol. 162, No. 2, pp. 317-326, 60 ref. |
6.06 |
no evidence [bunch grass] |
|
6.07 |
may be treated as an annual |
http://fs.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=8.300.200 |
7.01 |
"Scattered populations occur in windward areas, mostly in roadside habitats. Fountain grass is readily dispersed by vehicles, humans, wind, water, and possibly birds." |
http://www.hear.org/AlienSpeciesInHawaii/PenSet_1992TunisonExcerpt.htm |
7.02 |
Commercial Availability: Routinely Available |
USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. |
7.03 |
According to PESC (2002), "seeds caught in the base of the plant, can spread after the plant is uprooted.; Transportation of domesticated animals: According to Benton (1998), seeds may be dispersed by livestock." |
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=309&fr=1&sts=sss |
7.04 |
"The seeds are dispersed by wind" |
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/pennisetum_setaceum.htm |
7.05 |
"According to Benton (1998), seeds may be dispersed by water." |
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=309&fr=1&sts=sss |
7.06 |
no evidence |
|
7.07 |
"Transportation of domesticated animals: According to Benton (1998), seeds may be dispersed by livestock." [long awns, feathery] |
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=309&fr=1&sts= |
7.08 |
[may be consumed incidentally during grazing, but no data on survival] |
|
8.01 |
(1) Seed per Pound: 1000000 [minute seeds] |
(1) USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5
(http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA
70874-4490 USA. |
8.02 |
"Seeds may remain viable in the soil for six years or longer (Benton, 1998)." |
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=309&fr=1&sts=sss |
8.03 |
Control: Herbicides must be used on all except isolated
plants. |
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/pennisetum_setaceum.htm |
8.04 |
"It is also fire adapted and can sustain fires that spread quickly into adjacent areas." |
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/monitor/Docs/inv_KISC2003ActionPlan.pdf |
8.05 |
[dense infestations in Hawaii] |
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