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(Harpochloa falx)
Caterpillar Grass (Harpochloa falx)
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JMK
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
JMK
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: JMK | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: JMK | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Harpochloa falx, commonly known as Caterpillar Grass, is a perennial grass that can be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to the grasslands and open savannas of Southern Africa, where it thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in areas that are seasonally wet. This grass typically reaches a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and can spread to about 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. Its appearance is characterized by its distinctive caterpillar-like seed heads, which are highly ornamental and appear during the summer months. The foliage is fine-textured and forms a dense, tufted mound.
Caterpillar Grass is valued for its unique seed heads that provide visual interest in the garden, especially when backlit by the sun. It is used in cultivation for ornamental purposes in borders, as a ground cover, or in naturalized areas where its adaptability to various soil types and drought tolerance are beneficial. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate light shade. While it does best with medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. There are no major diseases or pests that commonly affect this grass, but it can become invasive if not managed properly in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Caterpillar Grass is valued for its unique seed heads that provide visual interest in the garden, especially when backlit by the sun. It is used in cultivation for ornamental purposes in borders, as a ground cover, or in naturalized areas where its adaptability to various soil types and drought tolerance are beneficial. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate light shade. While it does best with medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. There are no major diseases or pests that commonly affect this grass, but it can become invasive if not managed properly in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Grasslands and open savannas
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Harpochloa falx, Harpechloa capensis, Harpochloa capensis, Chloris falcata, Campuloa hirsuta, Campulosus falcatus, Campulosus hirsutus, Cynosurus falcatus, Dactyloctenium falcatum
GBIF Accepted Name: Harpochloa falx (L.f.) Kuntze