Family: Poaceae

Found in warmer parts of the world, this genus includes around 100 species of annual and perennial grasses. Many yield bird seed and are also used as fodder grasses, while some species are valued as decorative additions to floral arrangements.

Species

S. italica, Italian millet, zone 6, is an annual grass, to 1.5 m (5 ft), with bristly leaves.

S. palmifolia, palm grass, zone 10, is a perennial and the most decorative of the species. The almost 2 m (6 ft) long sterns are clothed with smooth, broad leaves resembling some palm leaflets. This species can be grown under glass in frosty climates.

Cultivation

Grow annual species from seed sown in a sunny spot in late spring or early summer; the perennials may he propagated from seed or by division. They need a warm situation but will do well in any reasonably fertile soil.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones. Zone 9 for S. drummondii.