Mission Grass

Mission Grass: What You Need to Know About This Non-Native Perennial

If you’ve encountered mission grass (Pennisetum polystachion setosum) in your gardening adventures, you might be wondering whether this perennial grass deserves a spot in your landscape. Let’s dive into what makes this grass tick and whether it’s right for your garden.

What is Mission Grass?

Mission grass is a perennial grass species that belongs to the fountain grass family. You might also see it listed under several scientific synonyms, including Pennisetum polystachyon ssp. setosum or Pennisetum setosum, which can make identifying it a bit tricky for the average gardener.

This grass falls into the category of graminoids – basically, it’s part of the big family of grasses and grass-like plants that includes everything from your lawn grass to sedges and rushes.

Where Does Mission Grass Grow?

Here’s something important to know upfront: mission grass isn’t a native species in the United States. It’s what botanists call a naturalized plant – meaning it was introduced from elsewhere but has established itself in the wild and reproduces on its own.

Currently, you’ll find mission grass growing in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Puerto Rico. It has adapted well to these warm climates and tends to persist once established.

Should You Plant Mission Grass?

This is where things get a bit complicated. Since mission grass is non-native and there’s limited information about its potential invasive tendencies, it’s worth approaching with caution. While it’s not currently flagged as invasive or noxious, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for your garden.

Consider Native Alternatives Instead

Before you decide on mission grass, why not explore some fantastic native grass options? Native plants offer several advantages:

• They support local wildlife and pollinators better
• They’re naturally adapted to your local climate
• They typically require less water and maintenance once established
• They help preserve regional plant communities

Depending on your location, you might consider native alternatives like little bluestem, buffalo grass, or regional bunch grasses that will give you similar ornamental appeal without the ecological concerns.

What We Don’t Know

Here’s the honest truth: there’s still a lot we don’t know about mission grass from a gardening perspective. Information about its specific growing conditions, care requirements, wildlife benefits, and landscape uses is pretty limited. This lack of horticultural information is actually another good reason to consider better-documented native alternatives.

The Bottom Line

While mission grass might catch your eye as an interesting perennial grass option, its non-native status and limited cultivation information make it a questionable choice for most home gardens. Your local ecosystem – and your garden’s success – will likely benefit more from choosing well-researched native grass species that are proven performers in your region.

If you’re set on adding ornamental grasses to your landscape, reach out to your local native plant society or extension office. They can point you toward gorgeous native options that will thrive in your specific conditions while supporting local wildlife.