This perennial grass forms a clump with upright arching bright green lanced-shaped leaves that are tightly folded. The small brownish flowers are held above the foliage in a cluster that appears from summer to autumn.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Setaria palmifolia is naturally found from southern Japan to China, Taiwan, India and extending to south-east Asia growing in damp shady places. It has naturalised in parts of Australia and is regarded as a weed.

It prefers well drained moderately fertile moist light soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Palm Grass is a leafy perennial that is grown for its foliage. It is planted in small gardens as a specimen or mass planted in parks along borders or on embankments. It is also used for a tropical effect around water features but under ideal conditions it is commonly found in disturbed soils and can become a weed. In cool climates it is a popular indoor or glasshouse specimen that is grown in containers and is fast growing, establishing in one season. ID 957

Setaria (set-AR-ee-ah) palmifolia(palm-ee-FOL-ee-ah)

Poaceae(poh_AY-see-ee)
Grass Family