Caribbean Fingergrass: What You Need to Know About This Lesser-Known Grass
If you’ve stumbled across the name Caribbean fingergrass while researching grasses for your landscape, you might be wondering what exactly this plant is all about. Also known by its botanical name Eustachys paspaloides caribaea, this perennial grass species has an interesting story that’s worth exploring before you decide whether it belongs in your garden.
The Basics: What is Caribbean Fingergrass?
Caribbean fingergrass is a perennial grass that falls into the broader category of grasses and grass-like plants. Like its relatives in the grass family, it has that characteristic grass-like appearance that many gardeners either love or try to avoid, depending on their design goals.
This species goes by several botanical synonyms in the scientific world, including Chloris caribaea and Eustachys caribaea, which might explain why information about it can sometimes seem scattered or confusing.
Where Does It Come From and Where Can You Find It?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Caribbean fingergrass is not native to the United States. It’s what botanists call a non-native or introduced species that has managed to establish itself and reproduce in the wild without human assistance. Currently, you can find it growing in four southeastern states:
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Texas
Should You Plant Caribbean Fingergrass?
This is where we need to have an honest conversation about gardening choices. While Caribbean fingergrass isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, its status as a non-native species that readily establishes in the wild should give us pause.
The truth is, there’s limited information available about this grass’s horticultural characteristics, growing requirements, or garden performance. This lack of cultivation information suggests it’s not commonly grown as an ornamental plant, which raises questions about why you might want to choose it over better-documented alternatives.
Consider Native Alternatives Instead
If you’re drawn to the idea of incorporating grasses into your landscape design, consider exploring native grass options that are specific to your region. Native grasses offer several advantages:
- They’re naturally adapted to local growing conditions
- They provide better wildlife habitat and food sources
- They typically require less maintenance once established
- They support local ecosystems and biodiversity
For gardeners in the southeastern states where Caribbean fingergrass currently grows, there are numerous beautiful native grass alternatives to explore. Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify species that are both beautiful and ecologically beneficial for your specific area.
The Bottom Line
While Caribbean fingergrass isn’t necessarily a bad plant, it’s also not necessarily a great choice for most gardens. With so many well-documented, beautiful native grass species available, there’s really no compelling reason to seek out this non-native option.
If you’re passionate about creating a landscape that supports local wildlife and ecosystems while still looking gorgeous, stick with native species that have been tested and proven in garden settings. Your local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife will thank you for it!
