Pennis Villosum Feathertop

Pennisetum villosum (feathertop) is a tender, clump-forming perennial grass, often grown as an annual, prized for its soft, fluffy, white-to-light-brown, bottlebrush-like plumes. It typically grows 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall with narrow green foliage, blooms from mid-summer to fall, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. 

Key Characteristics and Description
Appearance: Features large, fluffy, feathery white spikelets that create a soft, downy appearance. The plumes are 2-12 cm long and turn from greenish-white to pale, straw-colored as they mature.
Foliage: Produces narrow, light green leaves in dense, somewhat messy, spreading tussocks.
Growth Habit: Grows to 1.5-2.5 feet (50-75 cm) in height and width, often acting as a perennial in warmer climates (zones 8-10) or an annual elsewhere.
Uses: Excellent for container planting, mass planting, and as a cut or dried flower.
Hardiness: Highly drought-tolerant once established. 
Problems and Considerations
Invasiveness: Pennisetum villosum is considered an invasive plant in some areas of California, as it spreads rapidly through both rhizomes and seed.
Self-Seeding: It is a prolific self-seeder.
Maintenance: Needs to be cut back to the ground in late winter to remove dead, messy foliage.