Cenchrus alopecuroides, commonly known as Foxtail Fountain Grass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open grasslands and savannas of East Asia, including regions of China, Japan, and Korea, as well as Australia. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height and width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), forming dense, clumping mounds. The plant features narrow, arching leaves and in summer to fall, it produces bottlebrush-like flower spikes that transition from green to a golden brown, adding a touch of showiness to the landscape. These flowers are particularly striking when backlit by the sun.

Foxtail Fountain Grass is valued for its graceful form, texture, and movement in the garden. It is often used in mass plantings, as an accent in borders, or in containers. This grass is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for water-wise gardens. It thrives in full sun and adapts to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While generally disease-free, it can self-seed and become invasive in some areas, so gardeners should monitor and manage seedlings as necessary.CC BY-SA 4.0