Family: Poaceae
*Don’t buy vetiver seeds-they are invasive. The wild type freely seeds while the ‘sunshine”, noninvasive variety reproduces vegetatively. Always use ‘sunshine’ slips.
Description and Dispersal:
- Native to tropical and subtropical Asia.
- A perennial bunch grass
- Erect, stiff stems
- Seed heads are narrow panicles
- Long roots grow vertical (most grass roots grow horizontal)
- Seeds are wind dispersed
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical/subtropical climates
- Highly versatile across climates
- Naturalized outside native range
- Weedy in disturbed areas
- Close relative is invasive
- Tolerates wide soil pH range
- Grass family (invasive tendency)
- Produces viable seed (wild type)
- Seeds spread unintentionally
- Water-dispersed seeds
- Resists fire/mutilation
Low Risk Traits:
- No spines/thorns/burrs
- Non-toxic to animals/humans
- Not bird-dispersed
- Not externally animal-dispersed
- Low seed production (<1000/m²)
- Susceptible to herbicides
