Dallis grass - Paspalum dilatatum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Dallis grass

Also known as: Water grass, Caterpillar grass, Hairy flowered paspalum, Bastard millet grass, Golden crown grass, Leichhardt grass, Water paspalum

Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a grass that could serve as a food source for many birds - particularly the long-tailed widowbird. On the stalks grow prodigious numbers of seeds, which enable its fast spread. Dallis grass is considered an invasive species in many places outside its home range. Once established, it is very hard to eradicate.

Scientific classification

Species

Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

Grasses, sedges and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

50 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green, Red

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Brown, Black, Gold

Flower Color

Green, Purple, Lavender

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Images of Dallis grass

Distribution of Dallis grass

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Loamy disturbed soils, roadsides, fields, waste places, moist fields or woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Psychic powers, Protection. It symbolizes food, concealment and hardiness.

Interesting Facts

After the dallis grass was introduced outside of its native range, its rapid growth and quickly spreading rhizomes made it an invasive weed in many places. Currently, it is present in the southern half of North America, Southern Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, and other areas with a warm climate.

Name Story

Dallis grass: The common name of this grass was given in honour of A. T. Dallis, the 19th-century American farmer, who extensively cultivated the species in Georgia. The genus name comes from Latin 'paspalos', meaning 'millet', and probably describes the similarity between grasses of this genus and the millet grain grasses. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'dilatatus' meaning 'spread out.'

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Dallis grass can easily trigger allergic reactions due to its widespread presence. It is an invasive weed, most allergenic when producing pollen. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy and runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, breathing difficulties, and fatigue. Keeping it cut or eradicating it helps prevent allergies. People with other grass allergies are more likely to be allergic to dallis grass.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Dallis grass is native to Argentina and Uruguay and an invasive species throughout the southern United States. It spreads through lawns eradicating native grasses. The coarse grass is a rapid spreader that grows in a circular clump. The diameter of the mound continuously grows, and it’s common for the center to die as the edges continue to spread. The edges can continue to grow due to the spreading rhizomes. The invasive grass is a food source for some birds, but its negative impact on the environment is greater than any benefit.

How to Control It

The best season to remove dallis grass is during early spring before the plant starts to flower and set seeds. This is key as controlling the weed before it reseeds prevents the next generation of weeds from taking root. Now, let's move on to some interesting and organic methods of its removal:

Hand Pulling: To do this, gently tug the plant from the root. For better grip, you can use gardening gloves. Make sure to pull out the entire root system to prevent future growth.
Solarization: This involves using the heat of the sun to kill the weed. First, cover the affected area with a clear plastic sheet. Secure the edges with rocks or soil. Leave this for 4-6 weeks. The intensified heat and moisture will suffocate and kill dallis grass.
Smothering: Layer sheets of newspaper 10-pages thick over your dallis grass, then add 3-5 inches of compost or mulch on top. This blocks daylight and airflow, thus killing the plant.
Vinegar Solution: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Spray this over dallis grass each morning for a week. The acid in the vinegar will cause the plant to wilt and die.
Planting Competitive Plants: Planting competitive species that can outgrow dallis grass may be a useful strategy. Choose species that are native to your area and that will not become weedy themselves.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

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.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Dallis grass

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Dallis grass originates from South America and thrives in moist, wet conditions. It requires watering twice a week for optimal growth. As an evergreen plant, dallis grass adapts well to outdoor settings and benefits from regular rainfall to maintain hydration across different climates.

Propagation: Dallis grass is best propagated by division in Spring or Autumn, ensuring the delicate roots are handled carefully. New growth indicates successful propagation.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Dallis grass

Distribution of Dallis grass

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Dallis grass

Care Guide for Dallis grass

PEOPLE ALSO ASK