Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.

Elephant Grass

Natural range:   Africa

Habitat:  In our area, often in low, moist disturbed, sunny sites...especially roadside ditches

Florida status:   Abundant weed, in some rural areas one of the dominant roadside plants.   

Recognition:  Enormous grass rising to 12' tall, often forming large monospecific stands.  Bristles 1 cm long (vs. > 2.5 cm in P. setaceum).  White midrib-stripe on leaf.