Blodgett’s Crowngrass: A Native Florida Treasure for Coastal Gardens
If you’re looking to add authentic Florida flair to your garden while supporting local ecosystems, let me introduce you to a lesser-known native gem: Blodgett’s crowngrass (Paspalum blodgettii). This perennial grass may not be the showiest plant in the garden center, but it’s got some serious credentials that make it worth considering for the right landscape.
What Makes Blodgett’s Crowngrass Special?
Blodgett’s crowngrass is a true Florida native, and when I say native, I mean it’s been calling this place home long before any of us arrived. This grass-like perennial is indigenous to southern Florida, Puerto Rico, and even the tiny Navassa Island in the Caribbean. Sometimes you might see it listed under its botanical synonym, Paspalum simpsonii Nash, but it’s the same plant.
As a member of the grass family, Blodgett’s crowngrass brings that fine-textured, naturalistic look that works beautifully in coastal and native plant gardens. It’s the kind of plant that whispers rather than shouts – perfect for gardeners who appreciate subtle beauty and authentic regional character.
Where Does It Grow?
This crowngrass has a pretty limited natural range, sticking mainly to Florida, Puerto Rico, and Navassa Island. In Florida, you’re most likely to encounter it in the southern regions where the climate stays consistently warm.
Garden Potential and Landscape Role
While Blodgett’s crowngrass isn’t going to win any most popular plant contests, it has some unique qualities that make it valuable for specific garden situations. This perennial grass works particularly well in:
- Native plant gardens focused on authentic Florida species
- Coastal landscapes where salt tolerance is important
- Naturalistic designs that mimic local ecosystems
- Areas where you want low-maintenance, region-appropriate groundcover
Growing Conditions and Care
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. Blodgett’s crowngrass has different moisture preferences depending on where it’s growing. In Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain regions, it’s considered facultative, meaning it can handle both wet and dry conditions. But in Caribbean locations, it’s labeled as obligate upland, preferring drier sites and rarely tolerating wetland conditions.
Based on its native range, this grass likely thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. If you’re gardening in southern Florida, you’re in the sweet spot for growing this species successfully.
For growing conditions, think coastal Florida: sandy soils, good drainage, and plenty of warmth. While specific cultivation information is limited (this isn’t exactly a mainstream garden center plant!), its natural habitat suggests it can handle:
- Sandy, well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Seasonal moisture variations
- Coastal conditions including salt spray
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – Blodgett’s crowngrass isn’t the easiest plant to find or grow. It’s what we call a specialist species, meaning it has specific needs and limited availability. You won’t find it at your average garden center, and detailed growing information is scarce because it’s not widely cultivated.
However, if you’re passionate about growing authentic Florida natives and have the right growing conditions, it could be a meaningful addition to your landscape. Just be prepared to do some detective work to source plants or seeds, and don’t expect instant gratification.
Should You Plant It?
Blodgett’s crowngrass is best suited for dedicated native plant enthusiasts who:
- Live in southern Florida or similar warm, coastal climates
- Are creating authentic native plant communities
- Appreciate subtle, naturalistic beauty over showy displays
- Don’t mind working with less common, specialty plants
If you’re new to native gardening or looking for easy-to-grow options, you might want to start with more readily available Florida natives before tackling this one. But if you’re up for the challenge and want to grow something truly special and locally authentic, Blodgett’s crowngrass could be your next gardening adventure.
Just remember: with great native plants comes great responsibility. Make sure any plants you acquire are ethically sourced and legally obtained, especially since this species has such a limited natural range.
