Summer has finally arrived. With it brings the promise of warmer weather, long summer nights, and unfortunately, increased fire risk.

Invasive plant species can become highly flammable as they dry out during the summer months which can significantly increase the risk of fire in San Diego. 

An invasive species, in short, is flora or fauna not native to a particular region that causes damage to the local ecosystem. With San Diego being such a great place to live, we have a lot of invasive species that make themselves home here.

One of these species is fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum). 

You know it, you’ve seen it in your neighborhood, along many of the highways, and have also probably spotted it in or near Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP). 

This plant is an ornamental bunchgrass hailing from Africa that has been used in landscaping due to its easy-to-grow demeanor. However, this plant can get out of control, and it’s certainly out of control in San Diego. No crack in the sidewalk or bare exposed soil is safe when fountain grass is planted nearby. The flamboyant seedheads for which the plant is admired result in many seeds being carried long distances in the wind, making this plant a ferocious spreader. This incredibly vigorous and advantageous plant is ruthlessly taking over yards, neighborhoods, and natural spaces like Mission Trails. 

This is a problem not only because of its tendency to become fire fuel, but because it is also outcompeting native plants that would otherwise provide habitat for the wildlife in San Diego. Also, these plants have shallow roots, unlike our native plants, and can contribute to erosion on hillsides. 

Fountain grass is not a friend of the natural spaces in San Diego. 

If you have fountain grass in your yard or are considering it for your landscaping, consider planting native grass instead! Here are a few suggested species that are better suited for San Diego habitats while still being a beautiful addition to your garden: deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens), giant wild rye (Elymus condensatus), and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum).  The best way to control the spread is to bag and dispose of the seeds and physically remove the plant manually. 

You can help improve the habitat at MTRP by joining one of the rangers’ volunteer crews, which will resume in fall. 

Check the park’s website for more information at mtrp.org/events. 

Editor’s note: This article was written by MTRP Foundation’s Stewardship Manager, Kindra Hixon.