Horsetail Paspalum

(Paspalum repens)

Horsetail Paspalum (Paspalum repens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Paspalum repens, commonly known as Horsetail Paspalum or Water Paspalum, is a perennial grass native to wetlands, marshes, and the edges of water bodies in South America, Central America, and the southeastern United States. It typically grows about a foot tall and can be identified by its lance-shaped leaves, spongy air-filled stems that allow it to float, and a reddish hue that may develop in the foliage. This grass is often found either submersed or floating in shallow water, indicating its preference for aquatic environments.

Horsetail Paspalum is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion along waterways. It can be used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment and is also utilized for forage in wet areas. However, due to its potential invasiveness, it is important to manage its growth and spread carefully. It thrives in full sun to part shade, in standing water or saturated soil, and requires little maintenance once established. In regions where it is not invasive, it can be an attractive addition to water gardens or naturalized pond edges.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High, Aquatic
  • Drainage: Slow, Standing

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetlands, marshes, and the edges of water bodies in South America, Central America, and the southeastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Water Couch, Knotgrass

Scientific Names: , Paspalum repens, Axonopus repens, Ceresia fluitans, Cymatochloa fluitans, Cymatochloa pyramidalis, Cymatochloa repens, Paspalum bistipulatum, Paspalum bistipulatum, Paspalum fluctuans

GBIF Accepted Name: