Creeping Bedgrass: A Lesser-Known Native Grass of Puerto Rico
If you’re exploring the world of native grasses for your tropical or subtropical garden, you might come across creeping bedgrass (Ichnanthus nemorosus), a perennial grass species that calls Puerto Rico home. While this grass may not be as well-known as other native plants, it represents the incredible diversity of grasses that naturally occur in Caribbean ecosystems.
What is Creeping Bedgrass?
Creeping bedgrass belongs to the grass family and is classified as a graminoid – that’s a fancy way of saying it’s a grass or grass-like plant. As a perennial, this species returns year after year, which can be appealing for gardeners looking for long-lasting plantings. The plant was previously known by the scientific synonym Panicum nemorosum, so you might see it referenced under that name in older botanical literature.
Native Range and Distribution
This grass is native to Puerto Rico, where it has adapted to local growing conditions over thousands of years. Its natural range is currently documented only in Puerto Rico, making it a truly regional native species.
Garden Potential and Challenges
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While creeping bedgrass is undoubtedly a legitimate native species, there’s surprisingly little information available about its use in cultivation or landscaping. This presents both opportunities and obstacles for the curious gardener.
What We Do Know
- It’s a perennial grass, so it should return each growing season
- It has facultative wetland status, meaning it can grow in both wet and dry conditions
- It’s adapted to Puerto Rico’s tropical climate
- As a native species, it likely supports local wildlife in some capacity
The Reality of Growing Lesser-Known Natives
Unfortunately, many details that gardeners typically want to know – like mature size, specific growing conditions, propagation methods, and landscape uses – aren’t well documented for this species. This is actually quite common with lesser-known native plants, especially those from tropical regions that haven’t been extensively studied for horticultural purposes.
Should You Try Growing It?
If you’re in Puerto Rico or a similar tropical climate and you’re passionate about growing truly local natives, creeping bedgrass could be an interesting addition to a naturalistic landscape. However, you’ll likely be pioneering its use in cultivation, which means:
- Seeds or plants may be difficult to source
- You’ll need to experiment with growing conditions
- Its garden performance is unpredictable
Better-Known Alternatives
For gardeners seeking native grasses with more established track records in cultivation, consider researching other Puerto Rican native grasses that have been more thoroughly studied and are more readily available in the horticultural trade. These alternatives can provide the ecological benefits of native plants while offering more predictable results in the garden.
The Bottom Line
Creeping bedgrass represents the fascinating diversity of native plants waiting to be discovered and potentially brought into cultivation. While it may not be ready for mainstream gardening just yet, it serves as a reminder that there are countless native species that could enrich our gardens if given proper study and attention. For now, it remains more of a botanical curiosity than a garden staple – and there’s nothing wrong with that!
If you do decide to experiment with this species, document your experiences. You might just become one of the first people to unlock its garden potential!
