fountain grass

noun

: any of several ornamental grasses (genus Pennisetum) having tufted stems and spikes of feathery flower clusters

Examples of fountain grass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Low-growing varieties like muhly grass and fountain grass are pruned to within 8 to 12 inches of the ground. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025 While there are lots of ornamental grass varieties on the market, some of the best choices for fall containers include purple fountain grass or blue fescue. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2024 Eight core invasive plant species were identified in the study, mainly winter and perennial grasses such as fountain grass and cheat grass, known for their ability to overtake the environment. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 25 May 2024 But the groups are small, and the plants, like fountain grass, buffelgrass and Guinea grass, are widespread. Jean Lee, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2024 Black Flowering fountain grass grows two feet tall with dark umber plumes. Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023 Nonnative plants, such as guinea grass and fountain grass, quickly took over. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2023 Drought levels in Hawaii Dry vegetation: The spread of invasive plants such as guinea grass and fountain grass have helped spread fires. Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2023 Varieties to try: Bluebird, October Skies SHOP NOW Fountain Grass While not technically a flower, fountain grass makes for the perfect accent for most fall flowers. Taylor Augustin, House Beautiful, 14 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fountain grass was in 1905

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Fountain grass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fountain%20grass. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!