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Products > Setaria palmifolia   Setaria palmifolia - Palm Grass     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information 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 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.  This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Setaria palmifolia.     [MORE INFO]