Thurston Grass: A Pacific Native Worth Knowing
If you’re looking for a grass that’s truly at home in the Pacific islands, let me introduce you to Thurston grass (Urochloa glumaris). This unassuming annual grass might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it has some interesting qualities that make it worth considering—especially if you’re passionate about growing native species.
What is Thurston Grass?
Thurston grass is an annual grass native to the Pacific Basin, though you won’t find it in Hawaii. Instead, this humble graminoid calls places like Guam and Palau home. Like many grasses, it’s wind-pollinated and belongs to the diverse world of graminoids—that’s the fancy term for grass and grass-like plants.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonyms Brachiaria paspaloides or Urochloa paspaloides in older botanical references, so don’t let the name changes confuse you!
Where Does Thurston Grass Grow?
This Pacific native has a fairly limited natural range, documented primarily in Guam and Palau. As a true native of these tropical Pacific locations, it’s perfectly adapted to the warm, humid conditions of these island environments.
Should You Grow Thurston Grass?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Thurston grass is undeniably native to its Pacific island home, there’s limited information available about its cultivation, growth requirements, and garden performance. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it just means this grass hasn’t become a common horticultural subject.
If you’re gardening in Guam, Palau, or similar tropical Pacific climates, growing Thurston grass could be a wonderful way to support local biodiversity and maintain authentic native plant communities. Native plants are typically:
- Better adapted to local climate conditions
- More supportive of native wildlife
- Often require less maintenance once established
- Help preserve local botanical heritage
Growing Conditions and Care
Since Thurston grass is native to tropical Pacific islands, it likely thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, where temperatures stay warm year-round. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, so you’ll need to replant or allow it to self-seed each year.
Based on its native habitat, Thurston grass probably prefers:
- Warm, humid tropical conditions
- Regular moisture (though specific water needs are unclear)
- Full to partial sun exposure
- Well-draining soil
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest—if you’re not gardening in the tropical Pacific, Thurston grass probably isn’t the right choice for your landscape. Its limited geographic range suggests it’s quite specific in its climate requirements. Plus, with limited cultivation information available, growing it successfully outside its native range could be challenging.
For gardeners in temperate climates looking for native grass alternatives, consider researching grasses native to your specific region instead.
The Bottom Line
Thurston grass represents an interesting piece of Pacific island biodiversity. While it may not be the most practical choice for most gardeners, those lucky enough to garden in its native range of Guam and Palau might find it a worthwhile addition to naturalized areas or native plant gardens.
If you’re interested in growing Thurston grass, I’d recommend connecting with local botanical gardens, native plant societies, or agricultural extensions in the Pacific region for more specific growing guidance. Sometimes the best plant information comes from local experts who know these species intimately.
Remember, every native plant has its place in the ecosystem—even the humble, lesser-known ones like Thurston grass!
