Rabbitsfoot Grass: The Fluffy Non-Native That’s Everywhere
If you’ve ever walked through a field or disturbed area and noticed soft, fluffy grass seed heads that look remarkably like tiny rabbit feet, you’ve likely encountered rabbitsfoot grass (Polypogon). This curious little grass has quite the story – and quite the spread across North America.
What Exactly Is Rabbitsfoot Grass?
Rabbitsfoot grass is a graminoid, which is simply a fancy way of saying it’s a grass or grass-like plant. As both an annual and perennial (depending on growing conditions), this adaptable little plant can live fast or slow, making it quite the survivor in various environments.
The name rabbitsfoot grass comes from its distinctive fluffy seed heads that bear an uncanny resemblance to a rabbit’s soft foot. It’s these charming, fuzzy plumes that make the grass somewhat endearing, even if it wasn’t invited to the North American party.
Where Did It Come From and Where Is It Now?
Originally from the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe, rabbitsfoot grass is decidedly not a North American native. It’s been introduced and now reproduces spontaneously across Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Pacific Basin, and Puerto Rico. In the lower 48 states, its native status is undefined, but it’s found growing in an impressive list of locations including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Should You Plant Rabbitsfoot Grass?
Here’s where things get interesting. While rabbitsfoot grass isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, its widespread distribution suggests it’s quite good at making itself at home wherever it lands. For gardeners, this presents both opportunities and considerations:
The Appeal
- Low maintenance once established
- Attractive, soft-textured seed heads
- Adaptable to various growing conditions
- Can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-10
- Provides texture in informal garden settings
The Considerations
- Non-native status means it doesn’t support local ecosystems as well as native plants
- Can self-seed readily, potentially spreading beyond intended areas
- Limited pollinator benefits since it’s wind-pollinated
- May not be the best choice for formal garden designs
Growing Rabbitsfoot Grass Successfully
If you decide to grow rabbitsfoot grass, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. It adapts well to various soil types and growing conditions, though it particularly thrives in disturbed or moist soils. The grass is quite hardy and can establish itself in zones 3-10, making it suitable for most North American climates.
For planting and care, rabbitsfoot grass is fairly hands-off. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and will often self-seed for future generations. This self-seeding ability means you’ll want to consider placement carefully – while wonderful for naturalized areas, it might spread more than desired in formal garden beds.
Better Native Alternatives
While rabbitsfoot grass can certainly find a place in the right garden setting, consider exploring native grass alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. Native bunch grasses, sedges, and rushes can offer comparable texture and interest while being better ecological citizens.
Some excellent native alternatives include little bluestem, buffalo grass, or various native sedges, depending on your specific region and growing conditions.
The Bottom Line
Rabbitsfoot grass occupies an interesting middle ground – it’s not native, but it’s not necessarily harmful either. Its fluffy seed heads and adaptable nature make it appealing for informal, naturalized gardens. However, given its non-native status and tendency to spread, thoughtful placement and consideration of native alternatives might serve both your garden and local ecosystem better in the long run.
Whether you choose to embrace this Mediterranean wanderer or opt for native alternatives, understanding what’s growing in your garden – and why – is always a step toward more mindful gardening.
