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Field Paspalum

Paspalum laeve

Last reviewed: August 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)

Toxicity unknown

Field Paspalum (Paspalum laeve) 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 Field Paspalum as toxic to livestock.

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

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsCross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Field Paspalum need?
Field Paspalum grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Field Paspalum bloom?
Field Paspalum blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Field Paspalum native?
Field Paspalum (Paspalum laeve) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Field Paspalum toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Field Paspalum as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Field Paspalum attract?
Field Paspalum draws bees.
Is Field Paspalum HOA-friendly?
Field Paspalum 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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