Hippo Grass

Hippo Grass: The Bold Aquatic Grass That Commands Attention

If you’ve ever wondered what hippos munch on in their watery habitats, you’ve probably encountered hippo grass (Vossia cuspidata) without even knowing it. This robust aquatic grass gets its common name from being a favorite food of these massive African mammals, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just animal fodder – this plant has some serious landscape potential for the right gardener.

What Exactly Is Hippo Grass?

Hippo grass is a large, semi-aquatic perennial grass native to the wetlands and river systems of tropical and subtropical Africa. Unlike your typical lawn grass, this plant is built for life in and around water, with thick, sturdy stems and broad leaves that can create quite the dramatic statement in aquatic gardens.

Where Does It Come From?

This water-loving grass calls the wetlands of tropical and subtropical Africa home, where it thrives along riverbanks, in marshes, and in seasonal floodplains. It’s particularly common in areas where water levels fluctuate throughout the year, making it incredibly adaptable to changing moisture conditions.

Should You Plant Hippo Grass?

Here’s where things get interesting. While hippo grass can be a stunning addition to the right garden, it’s definitely not for everyone. Let’s break down the pros and cons:

The Good Stuff

• Creates dramatic, tropical-looking displays in water gardens
• Extremely hardy once established in suitable conditions
• Excellent for erosion control along pond edges
• Can handle fluctuating water levels like a champ

The Not-So-Good Stuff

• Can be quite aggressive and may spread more than you’d like
• Requires consistently wet conditions – not drought tolerant
• Limited to warm climates (USDA zones 9-11)
• May not provide the same wildlife benefits as native alternatives

Growing Conditions and Care

If you’re still interested in growing hippo grass, here’s what you need to know:

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Water requirements: Wet to waterlogged soil or shallow standing water
• Sunlight: Full sun for best growth
• Temperature: Warm climates only (zones 9-11)
• Soil: Rich, muddy soils or pond margins

Planting and Care Tips

Plant hippo grass in spring after the last frost in containers or directly in pond margins. Keep the soil consistently saturated, and be prepared to manage its spread by dividing clumps regularly. In colder climates, you might need to treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors.

Landscape Uses

Hippo grass works best in:

• Large water gardens and pond margins
• Wetland restoration projects
• Rain gardens in appropriate climates
• Commercial landscapes with water features

Consider Native Alternatives

Before you commit to hippo grass, consider these native alternatives that might better support local wildlife:

• Wild rice (Zizania species) for northern regions
• Bulrushes (Schoenoplectus species) for versatile wetland gardening
• Pickerel rush (Pontederia cordata) for beautiful blue flowers
• Arrowhead (Sagittaria species) for distinctive foliage

The Bottom Line

Hippo grass can be a show-stopping addition to the right aquatic garden, but it’s definitely a plant that requires commitment and careful consideration. If you have a large water feature in a warm climate and don’t mind doing some management to keep it in bounds, it might be worth trying. However, for most gardeners, exploring native wetland plants first will likely give you better results and provide more benefits to local wildlife.

Remember, the best garden is one that works with your local ecosystem rather than against it – even if you’re not expecting any hippos to drop by for a snack!