Large Watergrass: A Lesser-Known Aquatic Grass for Florida Waters
If you’ve ever wondered about the grasses growing in Florida’s wetlands and waterways, you might have encountered large watergrass (Luziola subintegra). This perennial aquatic grass, also known as Tropical American watergrass, represents one of those fascinating plants that quietly goes about its business in our state’s watery landscapes.
What Is Large Watergrass?
Large watergrass belongs to the grass family and exhibits the typical characteristics you’d expect from aquatic grasses. As a perennial, it returns year after year, establishing itself as a persistent presence in suitable water environments. Like other members of its family, it’s a monocot with grass-like growth patterns.
Where Does It Grow?
In the United States, large watergrass has been documented growing in Florida, where it has established itself in various aquatic habitats. This non-native species has managed to reproduce and persist without human intervention, showing its adaptability to Florida’s climate and water conditions.
Should You Consider Growing Large Watergrass?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While large watergrass isn’t currently listed as invasive, it is a non-native species that has established itself in Florida’s ecosystems. As responsible gardeners, we always want to be thoughtful about introducing non-native plants, especially aquatic ones that can spread through water systems.
If you’re interested in aquatic grasses for your water garden or pond, consider these Florida-friendly native alternatives instead:
- Southern wild rice (Zizaniopsis miliacea)
- Giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea)
- Maidencane (Panicum hemitomon)
- Various native sedges and rushes
The Mystery of Limited Information
One interesting aspect of large watergrass is how little detailed information is readily available about its specific growing requirements, wildlife benefits, or landscape applications. This isn’t uncommon with some aquatic species, particularly those that aren’t widely cultivated or studied for horticultural purposes.
What We Do Know
As a perennial aquatic grass, large watergrass likely prefers:
- Consistently moist to wet soil conditions
- Full to partial sun exposure
- Warm, humid climates (as evidenced by its success in Florida)
- Areas with slow-moving or standing water
A Word of Caution
Before considering any aquatic plant for your water feature, it’s crucial to understand local regulations and potential environmental impacts. Non-native aquatic plants can sometimes spread beyond their intended boundaries through natural water movement or wildlife transport.
The Bottom Line
While large watergrass might seem like an intriguing option for water gardens, the combination of its non-native status and the abundance of beautiful native alternatives makes a strong case for choosing indigenous species instead. Florida’s native aquatic plants have evolved alongside local wildlife and are much more likely to support your local ecosystem while providing the aesthetic and functional benefits you’re looking for in your landscape.
When in doubt, go native – your local environment (and the wildlife that calls it home) will thank you for it!
