How much sun does Dallisgrass need?

Dallisgrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dallisgrass bloom?

Dallisgrass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Dallisgrass native?

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Dallisgrass toxic to livestock?

Dallisgrass is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Dallisgrass HOA-friendly?

Dallisgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Dallisgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paspalum dilatatum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Dallisgrass is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 20 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Dallisgrass is a robust perennial grass that forms dense clumps with coarse-textured foliage reaching 2-4 feet tall. It produces seed heads on tall stems from late spring through fall and maintains its green color year-round.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dallisgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Considered a weedy species that can spread aggressively
Coarse appearance looks unkempt compared to typical lawn grasses
Can become invasive and difficult to control

Wildlife value

This grass provides seed for birds and nesting material, though it has limited appeal to pollinators since grasses are wind-pollinated.

Common questions

How much sun does Dallisgrass need?: Dallisgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dallisgrass bloom?: Dallisgrass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Dallisgrass native?: Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Dallisgrass toxic to livestock?: Dallisgrass is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is Dallisgrass HOA-friendly?: Dallisgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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