Skip to main content

Brownseed Paspalum

Paspalum plicatulum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Brownseed Paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum)
Photo: Chase, Agnes; Hitchcock, A. S., no known copyright restrictions (public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Brownseed Paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Brownseed Paspalum as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

24"–42" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Brownseed Paspalum.

Try it with your yardDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal Plain

Brownseed Paspalum is a native Texas bunch grass that forms narrow, upright clumps reaching 2-3 feet tall. It produces delicate seed heads from spring through summer and goes dormant in winter. This drought-tolerant grass works well as an accent or filler in native landscapes.

Get an email before your first frost

We'll email you a week before frost can first reach your ZIP. You also get a printable fall checklist with your dates right away.

You'll also get our weekly yard notes. Unsubscribe anytime.

In an HOA neighborhood

Brownseed Paspalum is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

This grass provides seeds for birds and nesting material for small wildlife. The seed heads also attract beneficial insects during the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Brownseed Paspalum need?
Brownseed Paspalum grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Brownseed Paspalum bloom?
Brownseed Paspalum blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Where is Brownseed Paspalum native?
Brownseed Paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Brownseed Paspalum toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Brownseed Paspalum as toxic to livestock.
Is Brownseed Paspalum HOA-friendly?
Brownseed Paspalum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Brownseed Paspalum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app