Knotgrass

(Paspalum distichum)

Knotgrass (Paspalum distichum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Paspalum distichum, commonly known as knotgrass, is a perennial grass originally native to the USA to the tropical Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It has since become widespread in many other regions. Knotgrass typically forms dense clumps and spreads aggressively via rhizomes and stolons, reaching up to 24 inches in height. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, riverbanks, and moist open areas, where it often forms a dominant ground cover.

Knotgrass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in wet areas. It is also used as a forage grass in pastures due to its rapid growth and adaptability to wet conditions. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are moist. It requires regular watering and can be mowed to maintain a tidy appearance. However, its invasive nature should be considered before planting, as it can outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.3-1.6 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid, Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Originally native to the tropical Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, thriving in wetlands, riverbanks, and moist open areas

Other Names

Common Names: Water Finger-grass , Mercer Grass , Thompson Grass , Capim-Arame , Couch Paspalum , Water Couch , Leichhardt Grass , Eternity Grass

Scientific Names: Paspalum distichum , Anastrophus paspalodes , Anastrophus paspaloides , Digitaria disticha , Digitaria paspalodes , Digitaria paspaloides , Dimorphostachys oaxacensis , Dimorphostachys oaxacensis , Milium distichum , Milium paspalodes

GBIF Accepted Name: