Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of ornamental grass: "feathertop grass" refers specifically to Pennisetum villosum, a perennial grass species native to northeastern Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is characterized by its soft, feathery, and showy flower panicles, which are often white or pale in color. It is cultivated in gardens for its decorative appeal.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The feathertop grass added a soft, textural element to the border of the garden.
  • We planted feathertop grass for its beautiful, fluffy seed heads that sway in the breeze.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or horticultural contexts: The term is used precisely to identify the species and distinguish it from other ornamental grasses like fountain grass ().
  • For a similar effect but with a different hardiness zone, consider feathertop grass instead of the more common fountain grass.

Variants and Related Words

• Feathertop (noun): A common shortened form for "feathertop grass."
  • The feathertops are in full bloom this month.
• Pennisetum villosum (noun): The scientific binomial name for feathertop grass.
• Ornamental grass (noun): The general category to which feathertop grass belongs.

Synonyms

• Feather grass: A less specific common name sometimes used for grasses with similar feathery inflorescences, though it can refer to other genera like .
• Fountain grass (Note: This is a related but distinct species, ).

Related Phrases

• Feathery panicles: A descriptive phrase often used in defining or discussing the plant's most distinctive feature.
  • It is easily identified by its feathery panicles.

Noun

1. northeastern tropical African plant having feathery panicles