ravennagrass
Saccharum ravennae L.

Overview

Appearance

Saccharum ravennae is a tall clumping grass with a basal tuft of leaves and flowering stalks that reach heights of 8-12 ft. (2.4-3.7 m), towering over big bluestem and other plants and making them easily visible from a distance. The base of the clump can be several feet in diameter indicating a sizeable root mass.

Foliage

The basal tuft of leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs.

Flowers

Flowers are feathery, fan-shaped, terminal panicles. They are silvery to pink in color and up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) long. Flowering occurs September through October.

Fruit

Purplish spikelets are 0.12-0.24 in. (3-6 mm) long. They are spread by wind.

Ecological Threat

Saccharum ravennae has been observed spreading from plantings along roadsides and other disturbed edge habitats as well as in fields and other open sites. Control is difficult with the most effective method simply to physically remove the plants by pulling or digging them out. Saccharum ravennae is native to southern Europe and was introduced for ornamental purposes.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• California Invasive Plant Council
• California Noxious Weeds
• Indiana Invasive Species Council - Invasive Plant List
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Jil Swearingen, personal communication, 2009-2017
• Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
• New Invaders of the Northeast and Northcentral
• New Invaders of the Northwest
• New Invaders of the Southeast
• New Invaders of the Southwest
• New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
• New Mexico Noxious Weeds
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References