How to Grow and Care for Tangleheads

Black speargrass (Heteropogon contortus) is well-named since it is a dark-colored, rigid-stemmed grass species. This grass is classed as a noxious weed in parts of eastern Asia, the USA, and in New Caledonia, it is listed as an invasive species. In Australia, black speargrass's clinging seeds attach to sheep and reduce the quality of the wool, sometimes also killing the animals.

Sweet tanglehead is a perennial grass characterized by its tufted growth form and narrow, arching leaves. It boasts distinctive black seed pods that contrast with its lighter foliage. Adapted to thrive in dry conditions, sweet tanglehead efficiently conserves water, a trait that reflects its typical presence in savannas and open woodlands.

Giant speargrass is a resilient perennial grass, notable for its slender, long stems that reach up to 1 meter and its distinctive fluffy, spike-like seed heads. These seeds, with their conspicuous awns that twist with humidity changes, facilitate self-burial in soil—enhancing survival in its native dry, open habitats. The plant's deep root system enables it to thrive in poor soils, making it a competitive species in its ecosystem.