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Field Paspalum

Paspalum laeve

Last reviewed: July 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)

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

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.

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Field Paspalum? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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