This prostrate perennial grass has rhizomes and stolons that are very thick and forms a dense cover. The course textured dark green long linear leaves are pointed and are covered in hairs on the blade and sheath. It is widely used in high wear areas as in playing fields.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Pennisetum clandestinumis naturally found from east Africa, to the Kenya Highlands growing in fertile alluvial loams that are moderatly drained in an open sunny position and is salt and frost tender but tolerates drought and high temperatures.

Kikuyu is grown as a medium textured attractive lawn that is hard wearing. It is used as a general purpose turf in parks, fairways and along sidewalks. It is also used for erosion control and to cover pastures. It is prone to thatch build up and difficult to mow but if maintained regularly it forms a hard wearing lawn. ID 414

Note:
Care should be taken to contain the lawn as it may escape and become a weed problem.

Pennisetum(pen-ee-SAY-tum) clandestinum (KLAN-des-tee-num)

Poaceae(poh_AY-see-ee)
Grass Family