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Field Paspalum

Paspalum laeve

Last reviewed: June 2026

Field Paspalum (Paspalum laeve)
Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Field paspalum is a native warm-season grass that forms attractive clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads from summer through fall and tolerates heat and drought well once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Field Paspalum 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.

  • Appears weedy and unkempt to most HOAs
  • Seed heads can look messy
  • Too informal for traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during its extended bloom period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

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.

Does Field Paspalum fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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