How much sun does Feather Pennisetum need?

Feather Pennisetum grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Feather Pennisetum bloom?

Feather Pennisetum blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Feather Pennisetum native?

Feather Pennisetum (Setaria parviflora) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 32 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Feather Pennisetum attract?

Feather Pennisetum draws bees and beetles.

Is Feather Pennisetum HOA-friendly?

Feather Pennisetum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Feather Pennisetum

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Setaria parviflora

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Feather Pennisetum (Setaria parviflora) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Feather pennisetum is a compact native grass that forms tidy clumps with fine-textured foliage and delicate feathery seed heads. It blooms from June through September, producing attractive plumes that add movement and texture to the garden. This medium-water grass thrives in full sun and maintains a manageable size between 1-3 feet tall.

In an HOA neighborhood

Feather Pennisetum is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This native grass supports bees and beetles with its summer blooms and seed production. The seeds also provide food for birds, while the clumping structure offers nesting material and small wildlife habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Feather Pennisetum need?: Feather Pennisetum grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Feather Pennisetum bloom?: Feather Pennisetum blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Feather Pennisetum native?: Feather Pennisetum (Setaria parviflora) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 32 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Feather Pennisetum attract?: Feather Pennisetum draws bees and beetles.
Is Feather Pennisetum HOA-friendly?: Feather Pennisetum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Feather Pennisetum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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