We’re Being Invaded!

Disguised as grasses or trees, certain non-native plants are threatening our beautiful Sonoran desert vegetation. You may be aware that Buffelgrass poses a threat, but do you know that Fountain Grass, often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping, is just as dangerous. Both grasses spread aggressively by seed and can grow in dense stands. Left uncontrolled, these grasses introduced from Africa, will irrevocably alter the Sonoran desert by crowding out our native plants and fueling frequent and hot fires that can kill saguaros and other native vegetation. Unfortunately, Fountain Grass has established a foothold in SMVE arroyos, surrounding roads and other Sunrise HOAs.

One need only drive along Sunrise between Kolb and Craycroft to see lots of Fountain Grass growing on the steep slopes. SMVE’s Board is aware of the problem and is taking steps to eliminate non-native grasses from our community. But we all need to be vigilant because seeds may live in the soil for many years and wind-blown seeds may re-infest areas cleared. You can help by removing Fountain Grass from your yard and educating your landscaper not to plant non-native grasses anywhere. Seeking attractive, native non-invasive grasses? Try planting Bull Grass, Deer Grass, Arizona Cotton Top, or Bamboo Muhly.

Not sure if you have Fountain Grass or how to remove it? Email or call Pam Negri at .

For more information on Fountain Grass, go to

http://www.nps.gov/sagu/naturescience/fountain-grass.htm
http://www.desertmuseum.org/invaders/invaders_fountaingrass.php

Certain non-native trees, such as Russian Olive and African Sumac, also pose threats.  African Sumac, an easy to grow and quite attractive tree, produces abundant seeds that are spread by birds.  It escapes into washes where it displaces native trees such as acacias.  Also some people are highly allergic to its pollen.  Several of these trees were planted years ago in SMVE common areas around the north pool and on Largo Salici before the threat was recognized. They are also in some homeowners’ yards.  Please make sure that your landscaper does not plant African Sumac and remove any uninvited trees that sprout in your yard.

✉ by Pam Negri
Phone:

Photo from National Park Service

Updated 3/1/2017 by Pam Negri