It's one of the Setaria species, and was not likely planted.

One of the foxtail varieties.

so it is probably an annual weed

what should grow in that area

smothering/ mulching would be an option

mowing before the seeds ripen to stop its spreading

or plant taller stuff which will outcompete it after 2-3 years, like tough perennials or shrubs (plus some mulch = cardboard, grass clippings, hay, bark, wood chips, ... leaves)

Thank you for the help. It grows primarily around the whole perimeter of a man made pond, around 50ft feet. It's a very rocky area and pretty much comes up in every nook and cranny it can. I've been pretty good about pulling them out the past few years before they go to seed but it seems that each year they come back the same if not worse.