Vasey's Grass
Paspalum urvillei
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, FL and 13 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Vasey's grass is a tall, clumping perennial grass that forms dense tufts reaching up to 5 feet in height. It produces feathery seed heads from summer through early fall and thrives in full sun with moderate water needs. This robust grass can spread moderately but maintains a distinct clumping habit rather than running.
In an HOA neighborhood
Vasey's Grass 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.
- Very tall height appears unmanicured in formal settings
- Can look weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- Dense clumping form may appear too informal for front yard use
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for songbirds and small mammals in late summer and fall. As a warm-season grass, it offers nesting habitat and cover for ground-dwelling 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 Vasey's Grass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.