Paspalum, Genus, urvillei, Species,
- Genus & species
Vasey grass
Overview
Paspalum urvillei is a tall perennial bunchgrass forming dense clumps 3–6.5 feet (1–2 m) tall from a knotty base clothed in hairs. The flat leaf blades are 8–20 inches (20–50 cm) long and 0.2–0.5 inch (5–12 mm) wide, with a prominent membranous ligule. The flowering stems carry an open panicle of 10 to 20 or more slender ascending branches, each lined with paired spikelets fringed in silky white hairs. Flowering runs from late spring through autumn. Native to South America, P. urvillei has become widely naturalized across the southeastern United States and other warm regions, where it is regarded as a weed of pastures, ditches, and roadsides. It grows in moist to wet disturbed ground, including ditch banks, field margins, and low pastures. The grass spreads readily by abundant seed and can crowd out lower vegetation on damp sites; its coarse foliage is of low palatability to livestock.
Native Range
Paspalum urvillei is native to subtropical South America, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It has naturalized widely in the southeastern United States and other warm-temperate regions, where it grows in moist ditches, roadsides, and disturbed low ground.Suggested Uses
Used for erosion control and rough forage on wet ground in warm climates. Established clumps stabilize ditch banks and low areas, though the heavy seeding habit limits its use near managed pasture or native plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
As a grass, P. urvillei produces no showy flowers. The wind-pollinated spikelets mature from late spring through autumn in warm regions, carried on panicles of slender ascending branches. Abundant seed follows and disperses by wind, water, and machinery.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish to purple-tinged spikeletsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
