Florida Paspalum is a native Missouri perennial grass that thrives in the challenging spaces other ornamentals avoid. This rhizomatous species grows 3 to 4.5 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet wide, forming sparse clumps of narrow, fine-textured foliage topped with greenish flower spikes from August through November. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, it tolerates black walnut toxicity and urban conditions with ease, making it an excellent choice for difficult garden sites where conventional ornamental grasses struggle.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
60in H x 48in W
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Low
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Florida Paspalum produces delicate greenish flowers with notably large spikelets arranged in short racemes, creating subtle visual interest from late summer into fall. Native to moist, sandy soils in Missouri's deep southern counties, it brings authentic regional character to native plantings and meadow gardens. The grass requires minimal maintenance once established, thriving in full sun with moderate water and no serious insect or disease pressure, making it dependable for gardeners seeking a low-fuss native grass.
Florida Paspalum serves as a native ornamental grass for naturalistic plantings, restoration projects, and meadow gardens. Its ability to thrive in moist, sandy soils and tolerate difficult urban conditions makes it valuable for stabilizing low-lying areas, stream banks, and sites where typical ornamental grasses fail. It brings authentic regional character to native plant landscapes and contributes to wildlife habitat in prairie and meadow restorations.
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“Florida Paspalum is a native perennial grass found in only a few counties in the deep southern part of Missouri, where it naturally occurs in moist, sandy soils across fields, meadows, low ground, and along streams and roadsides. Its limited native range and specific habitat preferences have kept it from becoming widely cultivated, but it represents an important part of Missouri's native grass flora adapted to the state's unique growing conditions.”