How to identify Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

How to identify Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

Dallis grass, also known as Water grass, Caterpillar grass, Hairy flowered paspalum, Bastard millet grass, Golden crown grass, Leichhardt grass, Water paspalum

Dallis grass exhibits a tufted growth form with broad, flat blades that are typically 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.27 to 1.9 cm) wide. The leaves feature a distinctive midrib and are often a bright green color. This grass flowers through spikes that emerge from the plant base, reaching 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) high. The seed heads display numerous spikelets, which contribute to its invasive spread. Ideally managed at a height of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm), dallis grass adapts readily to mowing, but lower heights can compromise its vitality.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Dallis grass

Distinctive leaf base with red tinge and hairy texture, broad blades measuring 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) wide.

Paired spikelets in pale green to purplish colors, forming flowers on stalks up to 65 inches (165 cm).

Small, hard caryopsis enclosed in paired bracts, light brown, with a winged appearance and clustered seeds.

Underground stems with concentric rings, smooth textured, 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5-10 mm) thick, light brown to tan.

Seed heads with numerous spikelets for invasive spread, ideally managed at 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) height.

Detailed Traits of Dallis grass

Leaf Features

Dallis grass's leaves feature broad, flattened sheaths with a somewhat inflated, hairy base, often tinged with red. The leaf blades are relatively wide, measuring 0.25 to 0.5 inches (6 to 13 mm) in width and can grow 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) long if left unmowed. Each blade has a membranous ligule about 0.25 inches (6 mm) long at its collar. A slightly flattened leaf sheath is located at the base of the collar, frequently displaying a purplish hue.

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Fascicled

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of dallis grass are arranged in paired spikelets that bloom from May through November. Flower stalks can reach heights of 14 to 65 inches (35 to 165 cm). Each flower head comprises 2 to 10 often drooping spikelets, each with two rows of flat, egg-shaped seeds along its length. The spikelets are pale green to purplish, offering distinct coloration for identification.

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Stem Features

Dallis grass exhibits short, underground stems characterized by concentric rings. These stems have a moderately thick diameter, typically around 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm). They are textured with fine, smooth surfaces and are usually light brown to tan in color. The stems display limited branching and grow horizontally just below the soil surface. The concentric rings are notably distinguishable, providing a key feature for identifying dallis grass.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of dallis grass is a small, hard, single-seeded structure known as a caryopsis. Typically, each caryopsis is enclosed within two bracts, measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length. They are usually a light brown or tan color when mature, with a smooth to slightly textured surface. The seeds are clustered in racemes, making them a prominent feature for dispersal. Unique to dallis grass, the caryopsis retains a paired and winged appearance, a distinctive characteristic among grass seeds.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Dallis grass and Their Similar Plants

Bahiagrass vs. Dallis grass: What's The Difference?

Bahiagrass is known for its ability to withstand heat and drought. It was originally used as a pasture grass but is now also used for lawns. It has a deep root system and although it is slow to germinate from seed, it grows into a well-established lawn.

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Key Facts About Dallis grass

Attributes of Dallis grass

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Grass

Plant Height

50 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Dallis grass

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Grasses, sedges and allies

Family

Grass

Genus

Paspalum

Species

Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

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Distribution Map of Dallis grass

Dallis grass is a grass species geographically present across multiple continents. Originating in South America, dallis grass has spread to various regions, often thriving in temperate climates. It is now found in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, evidencing a broad introduced range. In certain areas, dallis grass is sometimes thought to be competitive with local flora and may have an impact on ecosystems, especially in the Pacific Islands and some parts of Asia, where it is considered invasive. Despite this, dallis grass is a common sight in the mentioned regions, adaptively growing in both disturbed and natural habitats.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Dallis grass How to Grow and Care for Dallis grass