Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Pennisetum setaceum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: balanced carb (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world) . — Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: balanced carb (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world).; A minor or regional crop in production with low or unreported yields.; A number of Pennisetum species have edible seeds - no detailed information could be found for this species.

Habitat & North American Range

A densely tufted perennial up to 130 cm tall, growing in rocky hillsides and dry stony plains in grasslands, and occurs at altitudes of 600 to 3,000m. Native to open, scrubby habitats in East Africa, tropical Africa, Middle East and SW Asia. (Zone 8)