Barundi Dropseed: A Small Annual Grass for Hawaii Gardens
If you’re exploring grass options for your Hawaii garden, you might come across Barundi dropseed (Sporobolus piliferus), a petite annual grass that has found a home in the Hawaiian islands. While it’s not a native Hawaiian plant, this small grass has established itself in local landscapes and deserves consideration for certain gardening situations.
What is Barundi Dropseed?
Barundi dropseed is an annual graminoid—that’s gardening speak for a grass or grass-like plant. Originally from Africa, this modest little grass has made its way to Hawaii, where it now grows and reproduces naturally in the wild. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one year, from seed to flowering to seed production.
Where Does It Grow?
In the United States, you’ll find Barundi dropseed exclusively in Hawaii, where it has become naturalized. The warm, tropical climate of the Hawaiian islands provides the perfect conditions for this African native to thrive year-round.
Garden Appeal and Characteristics
Don’t expect this grass to make a bold statement in your landscape—Barundi dropseed is all about subtle charm. It features fine, thread-like leaves and produces delicate seed heads that add a soft, naturalistic texture to garden spaces. Its small stature makes it perfect for areas where you want ground coverage without overwhelming other plants.
Where and How to Use It
Barundi dropseed works well in several garden situations:
- Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas
- Low-maintenance landscape zones
- Erosion control on gentle slopes
- Filler grass in mixed plantings
Its best role is as a supporting player rather than a star performer, blending seamlessly into informal, naturalistic garden designs.
Growing Conditions
One of the appealing aspects of Barundi dropseed is its easy-going nature. This grass thrives in:
- Full sun locations
- Well-drained soils
- Areas with minimal irrigation once established
- USDA hardiness zones 10-11 (tropical and subtropical regions)
Care and Maintenance
Here’s where Barundi dropseed really shines—it’s practically maintenance-free. As an annual that self-seeds readily, it will likely return each year without any help from you. It requires minimal watering once established and doesn’t need fertilization in most soils.
Since it’s an annual, you can expect it to complete its life cycle and die back naturally, making room for new seedlings the following season.
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
Like most grasses, Barundi dropseed is primarily wind-pollinated, so it won’t attract many pollinators. However, the seeds may provide food for small birds, though specific wildlife benefits aren’t well-documented.
Should You Plant It?
While Barundi dropseed isn’t problematic, it’s worth considering native Hawaiian grasses first. Native plants are always the best choice for supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. However, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance annual grass for naturalized areas and can’t find suitable native alternatives, Barundi dropseed could work for your situation.
Before planting any non-native species, check with local extension services or native plant societies for recommendations on indigenous grasses that might serve the same purpose in your landscape while supporting Hawaii’s unique ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
Barundi dropseed is a quiet, unassuming grass that can fill specific niches in Hawaiian gardens. While it won’t win any beauty contests, its low-maintenance nature and naturalistic appearance make it useful for certain applications. Just remember to explore native options first—your local wildlife will thank you for it!
