Brunswickgrass: What You Need to Know About This Southern Grass
If you’ve stumbled across the name Brunswickgrass in your plant research, you’re looking at Paspalum nicorae, a perennial grass that’s made its way into parts of the southeastern United States. While it might sound like just another lawn grass, there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
The Basics: What is Brunswickgrass?
Brunswickgrass belongs to the large and diverse Paspalum genus, which includes many grass species found throughout warmer climates. As a perennial grass, it comes back year after year once established, making it a persistent presence wherever it grows.
Here’s what we know for certain about this grass:
- It’s a non-native species that has naturalized in the wild
- It reproduces on its own without human intervention
- It’s part of the true grass family (Poaceae)
- It has established populations that persist over time
Where You’ll Find It
Currently, Brunswickgrass has been documented in three southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. This limited distribution suggests it prefers the warm, humid conditions typical of the Southeast.
Should You Plant Brunswickgrass?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Brunswickgrass isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, its status as a non-native species that naturalizes readily should give any responsible gardener pause. The lack of detailed information about its growth habits, environmental impact, and long-term behavior in cultivated settings makes it a bit of a wild card.
If you’re drawn to ornamental grasses for your landscape, consider these beautiful native alternatives instead:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – gorgeous fall color
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – excellent for wildlife
- Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) – dramatic height and texture
- Purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) – delicate, cloud-like appearance
The Mystery Factor
One of the most honest things we can say about Brunswickgrass is that there’s still a lot we don’t know. Details about its preferred growing conditions, mature size, aesthetic qualities, and ecological relationships remain largely undocumented in accessible sources. This knowledge gap makes it difficult to recommend for home landscapes.
A Better Path Forward
Rather than taking a chance on a plant with unknown qualities and potential impacts, why not explore the rich diversity of native grasses? Native species come with the added benefits of supporting local wildlife, requiring less maintenance once established, and contributing to healthy ecosystem function.
Your local native plant society or extension office can provide specific recommendations for grasses that will thrive in your area while supporting the broader web of life in your region.
The Bottom Line
While Brunswickgrass might seem like an intriguing option, the combination of its non-native status and the lack of detailed horticultural information makes it a questionable choice for most gardeners. When in doubt, go native – you’ll be supporting local ecosystems while creating a more resilient and beautiful landscape.
