Spreading Windmill Grass: A Hardy Ground Cover with Distinctive Seed Heads
If you’ve ever spotted a grass with delicate, star-shaped seed heads that look like tiny windmills spinning in the breeze, you’ve likely encountered spreading windmill grass (Chloris divaricata). Also known simply as star grass, this perennial grass has carved out a niche in warmer climates across the United States, offering both benefits and considerations for home gardeners.
What is Spreading Windmill Grass?
Spreading windmill grass is a low-growing, perennial grass that belongs to the graminoid family. Originally native to Australia and parts of the Asia-Pacific region, this hardy grass has established itself as a non-native species in several U.S. locations. What makes it particularly distinctive are its characteristic seed heads that radiate outward like the spokes of a wheel or the blades of a windmill – hence its charming common name.
The plant forms dense, spreading mats of fine-textured foliage that stay relatively low to the ground, making it an interesting option for certain landscape applications.
Where Does It Grow?
You’ll find spreading windmill grass thriving in warm climates across Hawaii, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Guam, and U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. As a non-native species, it has successfully established itself in these regions and reproduces on its own without human intervention.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
From an aesthetic standpoint, spreading windmill grass offers a unique texture to the landscape. Its fine foliage creates a soft, carpet-like appearance, while the distinctive windmill seed heads add visual interest and movement when caught by breezes. The plant excels as:
- Ground cover for large areas
- Erosion control on slopes
- Low-maintenance filler in naturalized landscapes
- Drought-tolerant option for xeriscaping projects
It’s particularly well-suited for coastal gardens and areas where you want a hardy, spreading grass that can handle tough conditions with minimal care.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of spreading windmill grass’s biggest selling points is its easy-going nature. This grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining soils of various types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Minimal once established
The plant is remarkably adaptable and can handle poor soils and dry conditions that might challenge other grasses. Once established, it requires very little ongoing care, making it a favorite for low-maintenance landscapes.
Planting and Establishment
Spreading windmill grass is typically easy to establish from seed. The key is ensuring good soil contact and providing some initial moisture until the plants are established. Once settled in, the grass can spread naturally through both seed production and vegetative growth.
Keep in mind that this grass can be quite vigorous in favorable conditions, so consider its spreading nature when choosing planting locations.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While not a native species, spreading windmill grass does provide some ecological benefits. The seeds can serve as food for small birds and other wildlife, and various insects may utilize the plant for habitat or food sources.
Things to Consider
As a non-native species, spreading windmill grass may not provide the same level of ecological support as native grasses. If you’re looking to create habitat for local wildlife or support native ecosystems, consider exploring native grass alternatives specific to your region, such as:
- Native bunch grasses
- Regional sedge species
- Indigenous prairie grasses
Additionally, while not currently listed as invasive, its vigorous spreading nature means it’s worth monitoring to ensure it doesn’t outcompete desired plants in your landscape.
The Bottom Line
Spreading windmill grass can be a practical choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover in warm climates. Its distinctive appearance and drought tolerance make it suitable for challenging sites where other plants might struggle. However, thoughtful gardeners might also want to explore native alternatives that can provide similar benefits while better supporting local ecosystems.
Whether you choose spreading windmill grass or a native alternative, the key is selecting plants that match your specific growing conditions and landscape goals while being mindful of their broader environmental impact.
