Paspalum urvillei

A large clumping grass with many (10-30), hairy rames, sheaths hairy at base, ligule prominent, pointed and transparent. Sometimes confused with Paspalum floridanum but has visibly hairy spikelets. The other common Paspalum in Louisiana with hairy rames is P. dilitatum. Blue-green. At least 9 rames with spikelets that point up. Hairy florets. Look alike: P. notatum- only has 3-4 rames.

Commercial seeds have a purity of 69%, a germination rate of 59%, 440,000-980,000 seed/lb, and a planting rate of 10-20 lbs/acre (USDA 1948). It is best adapted to fertile soils and can reportedly be eradicated by close, continuous grazing (USDA 1948).

The following information is for the genus Paspalum with note that P. ciliatifolium and P. boscianum are used most extensively. (Neither are found this database). Animals that eat the plant and its seeds: Mottled duck, Green-winged teal, Canada goose. Animals that eat its seeds: Purple gallinule, Sora rail, Ground dove, Mourning dove, Bobwhite quail, Wild turkey, Redwing blackbird, Cowbird, Junco, Pyrrhuloxia, Pine-woods sparrow, Vesper sparrow, Towhee. Animals that eat the plant: Eastern cottontail rabbit, Bison, White-tailed deer (Martin et al. 1951). Poor forage; limited wildlife value except as nesting cover.

Frequently found in disturbed areas throughout Louisiana and Texas. An exotic grass, native to South America, that is now widespread in the eastern United States.

Loamy, disturbed, usually moist soil.