Ethiopian Dogstooth Grass: A Low-Maintenance Ground Cover for Warm Climates
If you’re searching for a tough, drought-tolerant ground cover that can handle neglect while still looking decent, Ethiopian dogstooth grass (Cynodon aethiopicus) might catch your attention. This perennial grass has made its way from its African homeland to gardens in warmer parts of the United States, where it’s earned a reputation as a reliable, if not particularly exciting, landscape plant.
What Is Ethiopian Dogstooth Grass?
Ethiopian dogstooth grass is a perennial grass that belongs to the same family as more familiar lawn grasses. As its name suggests, this species originally comes from Ethiopia and surrounding African regions. It’s what botanists call a graminoid – essentially a grass or grass-like plant that forms the backbone of many ecosystems and landscapes around the world.
This isn’t your typical backyard lawn grass, though. Ethiopian dogstooth grass grows as a low, dense mat that spreads via underground runners, creating a carpet-like effect that’s more about function than flash.
Where Does It Grow?
In the United States, you’ll find Ethiopian dogstooth grass established in Hawaii and Texas, where the warm climate suits its preferences. It’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized in these areas, meaning it reproduces and persists without human intervention.
Should You Plant Ethiopian Dogstooth Grass?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for and where you live. Here are some factors to consider:
The Good
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance requirements
- Effective for erosion control on slopes
- Thrives in full sun conditions
- Adaptable to various soil types
The Not-So-Good
- Limited aesthetic appeal compared to native alternatives
- Provides minimal benefits to local wildlife and pollinators
- Only suitable for USDA zones 9-11
- Can spread aggressively via runners
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before settling on Ethiopian dogstooth grass, consider exploring native ground covers that offer similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native bunch grasses, sedges, or region-specific ground covers can provide drought tolerance and erosion control while offering food and habitat for local wildlife and pollinators.
Growing Ethiopian Dogstooth Grass Successfully
If you decide this grass fits your needs, here’s how to grow it successfully:
Planting Conditions
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 9-11 only
- Sun exposure: Full sun for best performance
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, but ensure good drainage
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but needs regular water during establishment
Planting and Care Tips
Ethiopian dogstooth grass is refreshingly low-maintenance once you get it going. During the establishment period (usually the first growing season), provide regular watering to help the runners spread and create a dense mat. After that, this grass becomes remarkably self-sufficient.
The spreading nature means a little goes a long way – plant plugs or divisions about 12-18 inches apart and let the grass fill in naturally. Be prepared for its enthusiasm to spread, and consider installing barriers if you want to contain it to specific areas.
Fertilization is rarely necessary, and in fact, too much nitrogen can encourage excessive growth. An occasional trim or mowing can help maintain a tidy appearance, but even this isn’t strictly necessary.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
While Ethiopian dogstooth grass serves its purpose as a functional ground cover, it offers limited benefits to local wildlife and pollinators. As a wind-pollinated grass, it doesn’t produce the nectar or abundant pollen that many beneficial insects need. If supporting local biodiversity is important to you, this might tip the scales toward choosing native alternatives instead.
The Bottom Line
Ethiopian dogstooth grass fills a specific niche: it’s a no-fuss ground cover for hot, dry areas where other plants might struggle. It won’t win any beauty contests, but it gets the job done with minimal input from you. Just remember that choosing native plants whenever possible helps support the complex web of local wildlife, pollinators, and ecosystem health that makes our gardens part of something bigger than just our own landscapes.
