Is Dallis grass a weed?

While it can be a valuable forage grass, Dallis grass is often considered a weed in manicured lawns and gardens due to its coarse texture and invasive tendencies in certain environments.

How can I control Dallis grass in my lawn?

Control methods include hand-pulling when young, applying pre-emergent herbicides in spring to prevent seed germination, or using post-emergent herbicides specifically labeled for Dallis grass control, often requiring multiple applications.

What are the growing conditions for Dallis grass?

Dallis grass thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including wet and poorly drained soils, and is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.

Is Dallis grass harmful to pets?

Dallis grass itself is not typically harmful to pets. However, the ergot fungus that can grow on its seed heads can cause neurological symptoms if ingested by livestock, and caution should be exercised if pets might consume large amounts of seed heads.

Can Dallis grass be used for hay?

Yes, Dallis grass can be harvested for hay, especially in its vegetative stage. It provides good nutritional value for livestock, although the quality can decrease as it matures and produces seed heads.

Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum) – Growing Guide, Benefits & Care

Dallis Grass Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Dallis Grass
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	No 0/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	No 0/5 intensity

None

Dallis Grass Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Grass
Plant Category: Ornamental
Plant Place Type: Garden
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Height: 0.3-1.5 m
Spread: 0.3-0.6 m
Tall Or Wide: tall
Growth Rate: Fast
Dormancy: Semideciduous
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Linear
Flower Size: small
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 60000
Weed Status: Yes

Care guide for Dallis Grass

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Dallis grass prefers consistently moist soil, especially during establishment and active growth. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering during dormancy to prevent waterlogging.

Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.

Pruning

Dallis grass typically does not require significant pruning. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.

If it becomes too tall or straggly, mowing to a desired height will maintain a tidy appearance and encourage denser growth.

Propagation

Propagation is primarily through seed or rhizomes. Seeds can be sown in spring or fall. Existing clumps can be divided and replanted.

Its aggressive nature means it readily spreads and can be difficult to eradicate once established.

Repotting

Repotting is not applicable for this species as it is a perennial grass typically grown in lawns or groundcover situations, not in containers.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

Distribution

Where Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum) is found

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Density

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1–5k

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Distribution map for Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

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Density

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<1k

1–5k

5–10k

>10k

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Dallis Grass Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Caterpillar Grass
Dallasgrass
Dallis Grass
Gold-Crown Grass
Golden-Crown Grass
Herbe De Miel
Herbe Sirop
Pain In The Butt
Palpalum Dilate
Paspalum
Paspalum Grass
Tall Paspalum
Water Grass

Synonyms

Digitaria dilatata (Poir.) Coste
Panicum platense (Spreng.) Kuntze
Paspalum eriophorum Schult. & Schult.f.
Paspalum pedunculare J.Presl
Paspalum platense Spreng.

Dallis Grass Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Dallis Grass
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Order	Poales
Family	Poaceae
Genus	Paspalum
Species	Paspalum dilatatum

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Paspalum

Paspalum Paniculatum

Paspalum paniculatum

Tussock Paspalum

Paspalum quadrifarium

Brook Crowngrass

Paspalum acuminatum

Paspalum almum

Dallis Grass FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

Is Dallis grass a weed?
While it can be a valuable forage grass, Dallis grass is often considered a weed in manicured lawns and gardens due to its coarse texture and invasive tendencies in certain environments.
How can I control Dallis grass in my lawn?
Control methods include hand-pulling when young, applying pre-emergent herbicides in spring to prevent seed germination, or using post-emergent herbicides specifically labeled for Dallis grass control, often requiring multiple applications.
What are the growing conditions for Dallis grass?
Dallis grass thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including wet and poorly drained soils, and is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
Is Dallis grass harmful to pets?
Dallis grass itself is not typically harmful to pets. However, the ergot fungus that can grow on its seed heads can cause neurological symptoms if ingested by livestock, and caution should be exercised if pets might consume large amounts of seed heads.
Can Dallis grass be used for hay?
Yes, Dallis grass can be harvested for hay, especially in its vegetative stage. It provides good nutritional value for livestock, although the quality can decrease as it matures and produces seed heads.

Dallis GrassPaspalum dilatatum

Dallis Grass Care Summary

Light

Watering

Soil

Temperature

Fertilizer

Dallis Grass Toxicity

Dallis Grass Quick Facts