Browntop (Microstegium): Why This Grass Should Stay Out of Your Garden
If you’ve stumbled across browntop while researching grasses for your garden, let me save you some time and trouble. This seemingly innocent annual grass might look delicate and harmless, but it’s actually one of those plants that falls squarely into the looks can be deceiving category.
What Exactly Is Browntop?
Browntop (Microstegium) is an annual grass that belongs to the graminoid family—basically, it’s a true grass along with its grass-like cousins including sedges and rushes. Originally from the Pacific Basin (excluding Hawaii), this non-native species has made itself quite at home across a huge swath of the United States.
Where You’ll Find This Unwelcome Guest
Browntop has spread like wildfire across the eastern United States, popping up in states from Alabama all the way up to Massachusetts, and from Texas over to the Carolinas. You’ll also find it in places like Puerto Rico and Palau. Basically, if you live anywhere in the eastern half of the country, there’s a good chance this grass is lurking somewhere nearby.
Why You DON’T Want This in Your Garden
Here’s the thing about browntop—it’s incredibly good at what it does, and what it does is take over. As a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously without any human help, it has a knack for establishing itself and then refusing to leave the party.
While we don’t have complete data on its official invasive status in all areas, its behavior patterns and widespread distribution tell us everything we need to know. This grass tends to crowd out native plants that our local wildlife actually depends on.
What Does Browntop Look Like?
Browntop is an annual grass with a relatively delicate appearance that can fool you into thinking it’s harmless. As a graminoid, it has the typical grass-like structure, but don’t let its unassuming looks trick you into thinking it belongs in your landscape.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of taking a chance with browntop, why not choose native grasses that will actually benefit your local ecosystem? Here are some fantastic alternatives:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – gorgeous fall color and wildlife benefits
- Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) – drought-tolerant and native to many regions
- Purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis) – delicate appearance similar to browntop but native
- Sedges like Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – perfect for shady spots
The Bottom Line
While browntop might seem like just another grass option, it’s really not something you want to invite into your garden. Its tendency to establish and spread without invitation makes it a poor choice for responsible gardeners who want to support their local ecosystems.
If you spot browntop growing wild on your property, consider removing it and replacing it with native alternatives that will provide actual benefits to local wildlife and pollinators. Your garden—and your local ecosystem—will thank you for making the more thoughtful choice.
