Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Pennisetum setaceum


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
Original risk assessment

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) http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Pennisetum_setaceum.html

2.01

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.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?27214 (17 June 2004)

2.02

2.03

(1) Hardiness Range 9A to 10B
(2) In Hawai'i, "cultivated and naturalized in dry, pen places such as barren lava flows and cinder fields, 40-2,140 m" (Wagner et al., 1999).
(3) Hardiness: Zones 8-12

(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.
(2) http://www.hear.org/pier/species/pennisetum_setaceum.htm
(3) http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Pennisetum_Rubrum.html

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.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?27214 (17 June 2004)

2.05

Geographical range
Native range: Northern Africa (Benton, 1998)
Known introduced range: The United States including several Hawaiian Islands (Benton, 1998); also found on other Pacific Islands, Australia, naturalized in the Canary Islands.

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"
(2) "Fountain grass raises fuel loads, which increases the intensity and spread of a fire, and results in severe damage to native, dry forest species adapted to less extreme fire regimes. " (3)This bunchgrass is a noxious weed, crowding out other herbs and seedlings; major infestation on the Kona side of Hawai'i.

(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.
(2) http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htm (3)http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/cw_smith/pen_set.htm

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.)
http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/SpecPubs/SP0028.doc

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
(2) Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.
(2) USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

4.1

(1) Soil Condition" Loamy, sandy, clay, acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline, salt intolerant, somewhat drought tolerant
(2) Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils: Yes ; Adapted to Fine Textured Soils: No; Adapted to Medium Textured Soils: Yes (3)Enjoys a light, well-drained soil (4)It works well in almost any soil. (5)Soil Type: Normal, Sandy, Clay

(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.
(2) USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. (3)http://plants.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/product/2933/1?SA=1303 (4)http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/peru.htm (5)http://fs.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=8.300.200

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]
(2) The white to tan color seed heads produce large numbers of wind-dispersed seeds (PESC, 2002) [seed set is usually quite low, typically less than 20% = less than 50 seeds per seed head; (Goergen, E., and C. C. Daehler. 2001).
(3) seeds several times a year [potential, but low seed set rate]

(1) USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
(2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=309&fr=1&sts=sss
(3) http://www.aznps.org/pdf_files/fountaingrass.pdf

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.
Chemical:" Sensitive to glyphosate applied by spraying and by the drizzle method. HAVO staff reported control with hexazinone at 10-20% of liquid concentrate applied to wet the green foliage

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]


Need more info? Have questions? Comments? Information to contribute? Contact PIER!


[ Return to PIER homepage ] [Risk assessment page]


This page new 10 February 2005