Napier grass
Quick Facts |  |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pennisetum purpureum |
| Origin | Old World, Africa |
| Introduction | Early 1900s, forage grass |
| Aquatic community | Emergent grass |
| Habitat | Shorelines, wet to dry soils |
| Distribution | Central and South Florida |
| Management effort | Complaint management |
| 2010 public waters / plant acres: | 17 / 81 |
Environmental and Economic Concerns
- Clump-forming grass up to 12 feet tall along shorelines, in wet to dry soils
- Most often in disturbed areas, especially along canal banks
- Hinders flood control by blocking access to canals and impeding water flow
- Deep fibrous root system enables drought resistance, but plant can be injured by freezes
- Propagates vegetatively from root crown divisions or rhizome and stem fragments, especially after mechanical control such as tilling
Pennisetum purpureum
Pennisetum purpureum
Management Options | |
|---|---|
| Biological | None available |
| Chemical | Glyphosate |
| Mechanical | Mowing; harvest or shred floating mats |
| Physical | Drawdown, desiccation, and burning |
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Status of the Aquatic Plant Maintenance Program in Florida Public Waters, Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Last updated: 28 November 2011