Sicklegrass (Parapholis): What Gardeners Need to Know About This Non-Native Annual Grass
If you’ve stumbled across the name sicklegrass in your gardening research, you might be wondering whether this annual grass deserves a spot in your landscape. The short answer? Probably not. Let’s dive into what makes Parapholis—commonly known as sicklegrass—a plant that most gardeners encounter by accident rather than by choice.
What Is Sicklegrass?
Sicklegrass is a small, annual grass that belongs to the graminoid family—basically, it’s a true grass related to other members of the grass family (Poaceae). Don’t let the sickle part of the name intimidate you; this isn’t a dramatic, scythe-shaped plant. Instead, it’s a rather modest, wiry grass that typically goes unnoticed until it’s established itself in your garden beds or lawn edges.
This non-native species has made itself quite at home across the United States, reproducing spontaneously without any help from gardeners. It’s one of those plants that arrives uninvited and decides to stay for the party.
Where You’ll Find Sicklegrass
Sicklegrass has spread across a surprising number of states, establishing populations in Alabama, California, Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. It’s particularly fond of disturbed soils and areas where other plants struggle to establish themselves.
Why Most Gardeners Skip Sicklegrass
Here’s the thing about sicklegrass: it’s not going to win any beauty contests. This annual grass lacks the ornamental appeal that makes other grasses garden-worthy. It’s small, inconspicuous, and frankly, rather weedy looking. While some gardeners embrace the wild, naturalistic look, sicklegrass doesn’t even bring that rustic charm to the table.
Since it’s a wind-pollinated grass, sicklegrass doesn’t offer much in terms of pollinator benefits either. Butterflies and bees will largely ignore it, focusing their attention on more rewarding flowering plants instead.
Growing Conditions (If You’re Curious)
Should you find sicklegrass popping up in your garden—and you very well might—it’s helpful to understand what conditions it prefers. This hardy little grass tolerates poor soils and disturbed areas quite well. It’s particularly adaptable to coastal conditions and seems to thrive in places where other plants struggle.
As an annual, sicklegrass completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, setting seed and dying back before winter.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of welcoming sicklegrass into your landscape, consider these native grass alternatives that offer much more garden value:
- Buffalo grass – A native prairie grass perfect for low-maintenance lawns in appropriate climates
- Little bluestem – Offers beautiful fall color and supports native wildlife
- Native sedges – Provide texture and habitat while requiring minimal care
- Switchgrass – A stunning native option with architectural appeal
The Bottom Line
While sicklegrass isn’t necessarily harmful to your garden, it’s not adding much value either. This non-native annual grass is more likely to appear uninvited than to be intentionally planted. If you’re looking to incorporate grasses into your landscape design, you’ll find much better options among our native species that offer superior aesthetics, wildlife benefits, and ecological value.
Remember, every plant in your garden is an opportunity to support local ecosystems and create beautiful spaces. Why settle for a weedy hitchhiker when you could choose a native grass that truly enhances your landscape?
