Columbus Grass: Why This Non-Native Grass Isn’t Right for Your Garden
If you’ve stumbled across Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) in your research for new plants, you might want to pump the brakes before adding it to your shopping list. While this tall, robust grass might look appealing at first glance, there are some important reasons why most gardeners should steer clear of this South American native.
What Exactly Is Columbus Grass?
Columbus grass is a perennial graminoid—basically a fancy way of saying it’s a grass-like plant in the same family as your lawn grass, sedges, and rushes. This non-native species has made itself quite at home in the United States, where it reproduces on its own and tends to stick around without any help from gardeners.
Where You’ll Find Columbus Grass Growing
Currently, Columbus grass has established populations across nine states: Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin. That’s quite a range for a plant that originally called South America home!
The Problem with Columbus Grass
Here’s where things get concerning. Columbus grass carries a noxious weed designation in New Mexico, where its seeds are restricted. This classification exists for good reason—plants don’t earn noxious status by playing nicely with their neighbors.
As a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously and persists without human intervention, Columbus grass shows classic signs of invasive behavior. While we don’t have complete data on its invasive status in all regions, the fact that it’s spreading on its own across multiple states is definitely a red flag.
Why Skip Columbus Grass in Your Garden
Beyond its problematic status, Columbus grass doesn’t offer much to the home gardener:
- Limited wildlife benefits compared to native grass species
- Minimal value for pollinators (it’s wind-pollinated)
- Potential to escape cultivation and cause ecological problems
- Legal restrictions in some areas
Better Alternatives for Your Landscape
Instead of rolling the dice with Columbus grass, consider these native alternatives that offer similar height and texture without the baggage:
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) – A stunning native prairie grass
- Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) – Beautiful golden fall color
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – Excellent for wildlife and erosion control
- Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) – Great for naturalized areas
The Bottom Line
While Columbus grass might seem like an easy-going perennial grass option, its non-native status and noxious classification make it a poor choice for responsible gardeners. With so many beautiful native grasses available that provide better wildlife habitat and pollinator support, there’s really no compelling reason to invite this potential troublemaker into your landscape.
Remember, every plant choice we make in our gardens ripples out into the broader ecosystem. By choosing native alternatives, you’re not just creating a beautiful space—you’re contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.
