Hilograss: The Humble Ground Cover You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass that can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at it, you might want to get acquainted with hilograss (Paspalum conjugatum). This perennial grass isn’t going to win any beauty contests, but it’s got some serious staying power that makes it worth considering for certain landscaping situations.
What Exactly Is Hilograss?
Hilograss is a warm-season perennial grass that forms dense, spreading mats across the ground. Don’t expect any showy blooms here – this grass produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers that you’ll barely notice. What you will notice is its ability to quickly establish itself and spread through underground stems called stolons.
This grass has a somewhat complex relationship with different regions. It’s actually native to several southeastern states including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, it’s also established itself as a non-native but naturalized species in places like Hawaii and Utah.
The Good, The Bad, and The Practical
Let’s be honest – hilograss isn’t going to transform your landscape into a magazine-worthy garden. Its claim to fame is pure functionality. Here’s what makes it noteworthy:
- Grows rapidly and can reach up to 3 feet in height
- Spreads quickly to form dense ground cover
- Active growth year-round in suitable climates
- Tolerates both wet and dry conditions (facultative wetland status)
- Low fertility requirements
Where Hilograss Makes Sense
This isn’t a grass for formal lawns or ornamental landscapes. Instead, consider hilograss for:
- Erosion control on slopes
- Ground cover in utility areas
- Naturalized meadow plantings
- Areas where you need quick establishment
- Low-maintenance pasture situations
Growing Conditions and Care
Hilograss is surprisingly adaptable, which explains its success in various regions. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures don’t dip below 15°F for extended periods.
This grass is fairly easygoing about soil conditions, adapting to coarse, medium, and fine-textured soils. It prefers a pH between 5.0 and 7.0 and has moderate drought tolerance once established. While it can handle some shade, it performs best with adequate sunlight.
One of hilograss’s best features is its low maintenance requirements. It doesn’t need rich soil or frequent fertilization, and it can handle moderate foot traffic once established.
Planting and Propagation
Hilograss can be established from seed or sprigs. Seeds are tiny – there are about 350,000 seeds per pound! – and germinate readily under warm, moist conditions. The grass spreads both by seed and vegetatively through its stoloniferous growth habit.
If you’re starting from seed, plant during the warm season when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Keep the soil moist until establishment, which happens fairly quickly given this grass’s rapid growth rate.
A Word of Caution
While hilograss can be useful in the right situation, its aggressive spreading nature means it might not play well with other plants in mixed plantings. Once established, it forms dense mats that can crowd out other species. Consider this carefully before planting, especially in areas adjacent to natural habitats or gardens with desirable native plants.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re in the southeastern United States where hilograss is native, it might be a reasonable choice for utility landscaping. However, for ornamental purposes or in areas where it’s not native, consider these alternatives:
- Native bunch grasses suited to your region
- Regional sedges for wet areas
- Native ground covers with better wildlife value
The Bottom Line
Hilograss won’t win any awards for beauty, but it gets the job done when you need reliable ground cover in challenging conditions. It’s best suited for utility landscapes, erosion control, and situations where low maintenance trumps aesthetics. Just be prepared for its enthusiastic spreading habit and consider whether native alternatives might serve your landscape goals better.
Before planting hilograss, especially outside its native range, check with local extension services about any regional concerns and explore native grass options that might provide similar benefits with added ecological value.
