Pitted Beardgrass: A Low-Maintenance Grass for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a hardy, low-maintenance grass that can handle tough growing conditions, you might want to consider pitted beardgrass (Bothriochloa pertusa). This perennial grass has made quite a journey from its native home in Africa and Asia to establish itself across warm regions of the United States. While it’s not a native species, it’s earned a reputation as a reliable ground cover that thrives where other grasses might struggle.
What Is Pitted Beardgrass?
Pitted beardgrass, also known simply as pitted beard grass, is a spreading perennial grass that grows in a distinctive stoloniferous (ground-hugging) pattern. This means it sends out runners along the ground, creating dense mats of green foliage. Don’t expect showy flowers from this grass – its small, yellowish seed heads are pretty inconspicuous, though they do add subtle texture to the landscape during blooming periods.
The grass typically reaches about 3 feet in height and has a decumbent growth habit, meaning it tends to lie along the ground rather than standing completely upright. Its medium-textured, green foliage creates dense coverage during summer months and maintains moderate density even in winter.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
As a non-native species, pitted beardgrass has established itself in warm climates across the southern United States. You’ll find it growing in Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as in U.S. territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Pacific Basin locations.
Why Consider (or Not Consider) Pitted Beardgrass
Here’s where things get interesting. Pitted beardgrass is definitely a survivor – it’s drought-tolerant, fire-resistant, and grows rapidly once established. For gardeners dealing with challenging conditions like poor soil, limited water, or occasional drought, this grass might seem like an answer to their prayers.
The pros:
- Extremely drought-tolerant once established
- Rapid growth rate and quick ground coverage
- Fire-resistant properties
- Low fertility requirements
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Minimal maintenance needs
The considerations:
- It’s not native to North America
- Spreads aggressively through stolons
- Can potentially outcompete native plant species
- Limited wildlife benefits compared to native grasses
Since this grass reproduces spontaneously in the wild and tends to persist without human help, it’s worth considering whether native alternatives might better serve both your landscape goals and local ecosystems.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before committing to pitted beardgrass, consider these native options that offer similar benefits:
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae family natives) for drought tolerance
- Native bunch grasses specific to your region
- Regional prairie grasses that support local wildlife
Check with your local native plant society or extension office for the best native grass options in your specific area.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow pitted beardgrass, the good news is that it’s remarkably adaptable. This grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures don’t regularly drop below 17°F.
Soil requirements:
- Adapts to coarse, medium, and fine-textured soils
- pH range of 5.0 to 7.5
- Low fertility requirements
- Good drainage preferred
Water and climate needs:
- High drought tolerance once established
- Requires minimal supplemental watering
- Thrives in areas receiving 20-80 inches of annual precipitation
- Needs at least 365 frost-free days
Light requirements:
This grass is shade intolerant and needs full sun to perform its best. Don’t expect it to thrive in heavily shaded areas.
Planting and Establishment
Pitted beardgrass can be established through seeds or sprigs. Seeds are routinely available commercially, with approximately 400,000 seeds per pound. Plant at a density of 2,700 to 4,800 plants per acre for best coverage.
The grass shows medium seedling vigor, so be patient during establishment. However, once it takes hold, its rapid growth rate and moderate spreading ability mean you’ll have coverage relatively quickly.
Timing: Plant during spring and summer when this grass shows its most active growth.
Maintenance and Management
One of pitted beardgrass’s selling points is its low-maintenance nature. It has rapid regrowth after cutting and can handle moderate foot traffic. The grass is not known to be allelopathic (won’t harm nearby plants through chemical interference) and shows no toxicity concerns.
Keep in mind that this grass spreads both by seed and vegetatively, so you may need to manage its boundaries to prevent it from spreading beyond intended areas.
The Bottom Line
Pitted beardgrass offers a practical solution for challenging growing conditions in warm climates. While it’s not native and may not provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous grasses, it’s not currently listed as invasive or noxious. If you’re dealing with difficult growing conditions and need reliable ground cover, it might work for your situation.
However, we always encourage gardeners to explore native alternatives first. Native grasses evolved with local wildlife and weather patterns, offering superior ecological benefits while often providing the same practical advantages you’re seeking.
Whatever you choose, make sure it fits both your landscape goals and your commitment to supporting local ecosystems. Happy gardening!
