How can I control Dallis grass in my lawn?

Controlling Dallis grass often requires a combination of cultural and chemical methods. Improving lawn health through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization can help it outcompete Dallis grass. Selective herbicides are also effective, but timing is crucial for best results.

Is Dallis grass good for cattle?

Yes, Dallis grass is considered a good forage grass for cattle due to its high yield, palatability, and nutritional value, particularly during its active growth phase.

What are the preferred growing conditions for Dallis grass?

Dallis grass thrives in warm climates with ample moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a variety of soil types, though it grows best in fertile, well-drained soils.

Does Dallis grass spread easily?

Yes, Dallis grass spreads aggressively through rhizomes, stolons, and seed production, making it difficult to manage once established.

What is the difference between Dallis grass and Crabgrass?

While both are warm-season grasses, Dallis grass is a perennial that forms dense clumps with distinctive seed heads, while crabgrass is an annual with a sprawling growth habit and finer texture.

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
Edible	No

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: 0.3-1.2 m
Spread: 0.3-0.6 m
Tall Or Wide: tall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Dormancy: Semi-dormant
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Linear
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
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 consistent moisture, especially during establishment and active growth. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.

It can tolerate brief periods of drought once established but will show reduced vigor and appearance. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Pruning

Dallis grass typically does not require regular pruning unless it is overgrown or needs shaping. In ornamental settings, mowing to a height of 5-8 cm will maintain a tidy appearance.

Remove seed heads to prevent unwanted spread, especially in garden beds.

Propagation

Propagation is primarily through seed or rhizome division. Seeds can be sown in spring or fall. Division of established clumps is best done in early spring before active growth commences.

It spreads aggressively, so consider containment.

Repotting

Repotting is not applicable to Dallis grass as it is typically grown in lawns or as a groundcover, not in containers. If it is being used in a specific landscape design and needs to be transplanted, ensure the root ball is kept intact during removal and replanting.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · Jun

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · May

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

Distribution

Where Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum) is found

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Distribution map for Dallis Grass (Paspalum dilatatum)

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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

How can I control Dallis grass in my lawn?
Controlling Dallis grass often requires a combination of cultural and chemical methods. Improving lawn health through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization can help it outcompete Dallis grass. Selective herbicides are also effective, but timing is crucial for best results.
Is Dallis grass good for cattle?
Yes, Dallis grass is considered a good forage grass for cattle due to its high yield, palatability, and nutritional value, particularly during its active growth phase.
What are the preferred growing conditions for Dallis grass?
Dallis grass thrives in warm climates with ample moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a variety of soil types, though it grows best in fertile, well-drained soils.
Does Dallis grass spread easily?
Yes, Dallis grass spreads aggressively through rhizomes, stolons, and seed production, making it difficult to manage once established.
What is the difference between Dallis grass and Crabgrass?
While both are warm-season grasses, Dallis grass is a perennial that forms dense clumps with distinctive seed heads, while crabgrass is an annual with a sprawling growth habit and finer texture.

Dallis GrassPaspalum dilatatum

Dallis Grass Care Summary