Perennial Veldtgrass: A Hardy Ground Cover Grass for Warm Climates
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass that can handle tough conditions, perennial veldtgrass (Ehrharta calycina) might catch your attention. This hardy perennial grass has made itself at home in several U.S. states, though it’s important to know its story before deciding whether it belongs in your landscape.
What is Perennial Veldtgrass?
Perennial veldtgrass is a fine-textured grass that originally hails from South Africa. As its name suggests, this is a perennial plant that comes back year after year, forming dense tufts that can reach up to 4 feet tall. Don’t expect showy blooms—this grass produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers that you might not even notice.
The grass has a colonizing growth form, meaning it spreads to form patches rather than staying put in one neat clump. With its rapid growth rate and moderate spreading ability, it can quickly establish itself in suitable conditions.
Where Does It Grow?
In the United States, you’ll find perennial veldtgrass growing in California, Hawaii, and Texas. It’s worth noting that this grass is non-native to these areas—it was introduced and has since naturalized, reproducing on its own without human help.
Growing Conditions and Climate Needs
This grass is surprisingly particular about some things while being quite tolerant of others. Here’s what perennial veldtgrass prefers:
- Soil: Adapts well to fine and medium-textured soils, but struggles with coarse, sandy soils
- pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0)
- Water: Has low drought tolerance despite its tough reputation, requiring moderate moisture
- Sun: Needs full sun—it’s intolerant of shade
- Temperature: Hardy to about 17°F, making it suitable for USDA zones 8-11
- Rainfall: Thrives with 24-80 inches of annual precipitation
When and How It Grows
Perennial veldtgrass follows a cool-season growth pattern, being most active during fall, winter, and spring. The grass is fire-resistant and can handle medium fire tolerance, bouncing back after moderate burns. However, it doesn’t resprout from the base after cutting, so management requires some consideration.
Seeds are produced in summer, with about 725,000 seeds per pound. The grass spreads at a moderate rate both by seed and vegetatively.
Landscape Uses and Design Role
In the right setting, perennial veldtgrass can serve several landscape functions:
- Ground cover for naturalized areas
- Erosion control on slopes
- Low-maintenance grass for Mediterranean-style gardens
- Filler grass in drought-tolerant landscapes
Its fine texture and green foliage provide a soft, natural look, though it won’t win any beauty contests. The grass works best in informal settings where a wild, naturalized appearance is desired.
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
Perennial veldtgrass offers limited benefits to pollinators since its flowers are wind-pollinated and quite small. The wildlife benefits are not well-documented, though it may provide some habitat value for small creatures and seed for birds.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get a bit complicated. While perennial veldtgrass can be useful in certain landscape situations, its non-native status means it’s not the best choice for supporting local ecosystems. Before planting, consider these factors:
Pros: Low maintenance once established, fire-resistant, handles poor soils, rapid establishment
Cons: Non-native, limited wildlife value, requires consistent moisture despite appearing drought-tolerant, can spread beyond intended areas
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to perennial veldtgrass for its low-maintenance qualities, consider these native grass alternatives for your region:
- In California: Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) or California oatgrass (Danthonia californica)
- In Texas: Buffalo grass (Poaceae dactyloides) or little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- In Hawaii: Native sedges or other indigenous grasses appropriate to your specific island
Growing Tips if You Choose to Plant
Should you decide that perennial veldtgrass fits your specific needs, here’s how to grow it successfully:
- Start from seed, as it’s not commercially available as plants
- Plant in fall for best establishment
- Ensure consistent moisture during establishment
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Be prepared for rapid spread—plant only where you want it to naturalize
- Provide supplemental water during dry periods
- Monitor for spread beyond intended areas
The Bottom Line
Perennial veldtgrass is a hardy, adaptable grass that can serve specific landscape functions, particularly in challenging sites where low maintenance is key. However, its non-native status and tendency to naturalize mean it’s worth considering native alternatives first. If you do choose to plant it, be mindful of its spreading nature and water needs, and always check local regulations regarding non-native plantings in your area.
