Palisade Grass

Palisade Grass: A Fast-Growing Ground Cover for Warm Climates

If you’re looking for a grass that establishes quickly and forms dense coverage, palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha) might catch your attention. This perennial grass has made its way from its native African homeland to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Puerto Rico, where it has naturalized and thrives.

What Is Palisade Grass?

Palisade grass is a robust perennial grass that belongs to the same family that gave us many of our familiar lawn and pasture grasses. You might also encounter it under its former scientific names, including Brachiaria brizantha or Brachiaria ruziziensis – botanical names have a way of evolving over time as scientists learn more about plant relationships.

This grass has earned its reputation as a reliable ground cover thanks to its stoloniferous growth habit, meaning it spreads by sending out horizontal stems that root at intervals. The result? A thick, interconnected mat of grass that can quickly fill in bare spots.

Where Does It Grow?

Originally from Africa, palisade grass has established itself in warm, humid regions around the globe. In the United States, you’ll find it thriving in Puerto Rico, where it has become well-adapted to local conditions and reproduces freely in the wild.

What Does It Look Like?

Palisade grass typically reaches about 2 feet in height and features:

• Fine-textured, green foliage
• Small, inconspicuous white flowers that appear in early summer
• Brown seeds produced from summer through fall
• A decumbent (low-growing, spreading) growth pattern
• Dense, mat-forming coverage

The grass shows its most active growth during spring and summer, with fall foliage that can be quite conspicuous as it transitions through the seasons.

Growing Conditions and Care

Palisade grass is surprisingly adaptable, though it does have some specific preferences:

Climate Requirements:

• USDA hardiness zones 9-11
• Minimum temperature tolerance around 17°F
• Requires at least 120 frost-free days
• Thrives in areas receiving 12-48 inches of annual precipitation

Soil Preferences:

• Adapts well to fine and medium-textured soils
• Prefers pH between 5.0-7.5
• Low fertility requirements (not a demanding feeder)
• Shallow root system (minimum 6 inches deep)

Light and Water:

• Full sun lover – shade intolerant
• Medium drought tolerance once established
• Low moisture requirements overall

Planting and Establishment

Getting palisade grass started is refreshingly straightforward. Seeds are readily available commercially, and with approximately 350,000 seeds per pound, a little goes a long way. The grass shows high seedling vigor and spreads rapidly once established.

Here’s what to expect during establishment:

• Seeds require cold stratification before planting
• Rapid growth rate once conditions are right
• Quick regrowth after cutting or disturbance
• High seed production for natural reseeding

Should You Plant Palisade Grass?

Palisade grass can be an effective choice for specific situations, particularly if you need quick erosion control or ground cover in warm climates. Its rapid establishment and low maintenance requirements make it appealing for large areas that need coverage fast.

However, since this isn’t a native species, consider exploring native grass alternatives that might provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native grasses often offer better wildlife habitat and are naturally adapted to local conditions.

Best Uses:

• Erosion control on slopes
• Quick ground cover for disturbed areas
• Low-maintenance areas in warm climates
• Transitional landscaping while establishing other plants

Things to Keep in Mind

While palisade grass offers practical benefits, remember that it’s a non-native species that has shown the ability to naturalize and spread on its own. This rapid spreading ability that makes it useful for ground cover also means it can potentially move beyond where you originally plant it.

The grass produces abundant seeds that can establish new colonies, so consider this spreading potential when deciding where and whether to plant it. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help keep it within desired boundaries.

The Bottom Line

Palisade grass delivers on its promise of quick, dense coverage in warm climates with minimal fuss. While it’s not native to North American ecosystems, it can serve specific landscaping needs effectively. Just remember to weigh the benefits against the potential for spread, and consider whether native alternatives might better serve both your landscape goals and local wildlife. When in doubt, consult with local extension services or native plant societies for guidance on the best grass options for your specific region and needs.