How much sun does Thin Paspalum need?

Thin Paspalum grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Thin Paspalum bloom?

Thin Paspalum blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Thin Paspalum native?

Thin Paspalum (Paspalum setaceum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Thin Paspalum attract?

Thin Paspalum draws bees and beetles.

Is Thin Paspalum HOA-friendly?

Thin Paspalum is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Thin Paspalum

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paspalum setaceum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Thin Paspalum (Paspalum setaceum) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 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

Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Thin paspalum is a grass that forms neat clumps with slender leaves and delicate seed heads. This drought-tolerant perennial provides soft texture in sunny areas and requires minimal water once established. It blooms from June through September with attractive grass flowers.

In an HOA neighborhood

Thin Paspalum is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May look too informal for formal front yards
Seed heads could be perceived as untidy by some

Wildlife value

The grass flowers attract bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Thin Paspalum need?: Thin Paspalum grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Thin Paspalum bloom?: Thin Paspalum blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Thin Paspalum native?: Thin Paspalum (Paspalum setaceum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Thin Paspalum attract?: Thin Paspalum draws bees and beetles.
Is Thin Paspalum HOA-friendly?: Thin 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 Thin 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 app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz