fountain grass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Horticultural / Gardening
Quick answer
What does “fountain grass” mean?
A perennial ornamental grass, typically of the genus Pennisetum, known for its arching, fountain-like growth habit and feathery flower plumes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial ornamental grass, typically of the genus Pennisetum, known for its arching, fountain-like growth habit and feathery flower plumes.
A common name for several species of Pennisetum used in landscaping for their aesthetic, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance qualities. In some regions, certain species are considered invasive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The same common name is used for similar Pennisetum species in horticulture.
Connotations
Primarily horticultural/landscaping connotations in both varieties. In the US (especially warmer states), it may have a stronger connotation of being invasive (e.g., Pennisetum setaceum).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to broader use in xeriscaping and warmer climate gardening. In the UK, it is common in garden centres and landscaping but may be less winter-hardy.
Grammar
How to Use “fountain grass” in a Sentence
[Grow/Cultivate/Plant] + fountain grassFountain grass + [spreads/arches/flowers]Fountain grass + is + [considered/used/known as] + [an ornamental/an invasive species]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fountain grass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new landscaping will feature several clumps that fountain gracefully.
American English
- We decided to fountain grass along the border to soften the edge.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The fountain-grass effect was exactly what the designer wanted.
American English
- She preferred a fountain-grass border over shrubs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the horticulture trade, garden centre marketing, and landscaping service descriptions.
Academic
Used in botany, ecology (discussing invasive species), and horticultural science papers.
Everyday
Used by gardeners discussing plant choices, in garden magazines, and at plant nurseries.
Technical
Used in plant taxonomy, horticultural manuals, and ecological risk assessments for invasive species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fountain grass”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fountain grass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fountain grass”
- Using 'fountain grass' as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I planted fountain grass' is correct; 'I planted a fountain grass' is less common). Confusing it with 'pampas grass' (Cortaderia), which is much larger.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different. Fountain grass (Pennisetum) is generally smaller (1-4 feet tall) with softer, brush-like plumes. Pampas grass (Cortaderia) is much larger (6-10+ feet) with big, showy feathery plumes and sharp leaves.
Yes, it is generally considered low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and grows in a wide range of soils, making it popular in ornamental landscaping.
Some species, notably Pennisetum setaceum (crimson fountain grass), are highly invasive in warm climates (e.g., California, Hawaii, Australia), where they spread rapidly by seed, displace native plants, and increase fire risk.
Hardiness depends on the species. Some, like Pennisetum alopecuroides, are hardy in cooler climates (USDA zones 5-9). Tender varieties are often grown as annuals in colder regions or may require protection.
A perennial ornamental grass, typically of the genus Pennisetum, known for its arching, fountain-like growth habit and feathery flower plumes.
Fountain grass is usually technical / horticultural / gardening in register.
Fountain grass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊn.tɪn ˌɡrɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊn.tən ˌɡræs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a decorative fountain in a garden, but instead of water, graceful, arching blades of grass are spraying out from the centre.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A FOUNTAIN (based on its shape and movement).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fountain grass' most likely to be discussed?