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| Category: Grass |
| Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) |
| Origin: India (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Green |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [Panicum palmifolium] |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Setaria palmifolia (Palm Grass) - A large coarse evergreen grass to 6 feet tall with an equal spread. It has long broad pleated leaves that superficially resemble palm leaves and long flower spikes that emerge in summer to grow above the foliage - the leaf sheaths, culm joints and floral areas have short bristle-like hairs. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade and is hardy to the low 20's° F without suffering damage - this plant sailed through our December 1990 and January 2007 freezes without damage. Palm Grass grows quite large if irrigated regularly and in this situation it is best to remove flower spikes as this grass produces viable seed and is a potential weed problem in cultivated areas. In drier locations it reaches only 2 to 3 feet and does not seem to reseed into these low irrigated areas. This grass provides a very tropical look that is nice with ponds or other water features. It is native to China, southern Japan, Taiwan, the Indian Sub-continent and south-eastern Asia The name for the genus is from the Latin word 'seta' meaning "bristle" referring to the bristles on the spikelets and the specific epithet is in reference to the palm-like look of the leaves. It was first described by the Austrian botanist Otto Stapf in 1914.
Information displayed on this page about Setaria palmifolia is based on the research conducted about it in our library and from reliable online resources. We also note those observations we have made of this plant as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed in our nursery field. We will incorporate comments we receive from others, and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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