Paspalum quadrifarium is a perennial plant that grows in large, bluish-green bunches, or tufts, reaching 6 ft. (1.8 m) in height.

Foliage

Leaves are 5.9-15.7 in. (15-40 cm) long, 0.2-0.3 in. (5-8 mm) wide, and glabrous. Leaf-sheaths are keeled.

Flowers

Flowers are produced in 15-25, 2.4-3.1 in. (6-8 cm) long racemes per plant.

Fruit

Paspalum quadrifarium flowers and produces seeds at least twice a year. The small, hard-coated seeds range from silver-green to tan in color.

Ecological Threat

Paspalum quadrifarium is found in neglected areas along roadsides, streams, wetlands, and drains. The plant can spread rapidly through rhizomes or seeds and aggressively forms extremely dense infestations in a few years. Rhizomes move horizontally, sending up suckers, which form large, dense tufts. Native to Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, this plant is used as an ornamental in Florida and has naturalized in Dade County. It can now be found in Georgia and other disturbed habitats of the southeastern United States. It is considered a noxious weed in Australia.

Citations

Rawlins, K.A., R.L. Winston, C.T. Bargeron, D.J. Moorhead, and R. Carroll. 2018. New Invaders of the Southeast. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Assessment and Applied Sciences Team, Morgantown, West Virginia. FHTET-2017-05. Retrieved from http://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/pdf/FHTET-2017-05_New%20Invaders_SE.pdf
 

Resources

• tussock paspalum - Sydney Weeds Committees

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council - Category 4
• New Invaders of the Southeast

References