Jointgrass (Hemarthria): A Ground-Hugging Grass for Specific Garden Needs
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that can handle challenging spots in your landscape, you might have come across jointgrass. This perennial grass has made itself at home in parts of the United States, though it’s not originally from here. Let’s dive into what makes this grass tick and whether it deserves a spot in your garden.
What Is Jointgrass?
Jointgrass (Hemarthria) is a perennial grass that forms dense, creeping mats close to the ground. True to its grass family roots, it’s a relatively humble plant that won’t win any beauty contests, but it does have some practical applications. The narrow green leaves create a carpet-like appearance, and like most grasses, it produces inconspicuous flowers that are more functional than flashy.
Not From Around Here
Here’s something important to know upfront: jointgrass isn’t native to North America. It originally hails from Africa, Asia, and Australia, but has established itself as a naturalized resident in several U.S. states. You’ll find it growing wild in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, where it reproduces on its own without any human help.
The Good, The Bad, and The Practical
So why might someone want to grow jointgrass? Here are the main reasons gardeners consider it:
- Excellent erosion control on slopes and banks
- Tolerates both wet and moderately dry conditions
- Low maintenance once established
- Forms dense ground cover that can suppress weeds
- Handles foot traffic reasonably well
However, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Provides minimal benefits to native wildlife and pollinators
- Can spread aggressively through underground stems (stolons)
- Not particularly attractive compared to other ground cover options
- Being non-native, it doesn’t support local ecosystem relationships
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide jointgrass fits your specific needs, it’s generally easy to grow. This grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. It’s quite adaptable when it comes to growing conditions:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Tolerates various soil types, from wet to moderately dry
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but can handle consistently moist conditions
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance; occasional mowing if desired
The grass spreads naturally through stolons (horizontal stems), so you won’t need to worry much about propagation once it’s established. In fact, you might need to manage its spread more than encourage it!
Consider Native Alternatives
While jointgrass can serve specific purposes, we’d encourage you to explore native grass alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife. Depending on your region, consider these native options:
- Buffalo grass (Poea dactyloides) for drought-prone areas
- Native sedges (Carex species) for wet areas
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for naturalized areas
- Regional bunch grasses that provide wildlife habitat
The Bottom Line
Jointgrass isn’t going to be the star of your garden show, but it can be a practical solution for challenging spots where you need reliable ground cover. Its ability to handle various moisture levels and provide erosion control makes it useful for utility areas or problem slopes. However, given its non-native status and limited ecological benefits, it’s worth exploring native alternatives that can do the same job while supporting your local ecosystem.
If you do choose to plant jointgrass, be mindful of its spreading nature and consider containing it to prevent unwanted expansion into natural areas. Sometimes the most responsible gardening choice is the one that works with nature rather than against it.
