Paspalum plicatulum Michx.

Brown Seed Crowngrass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Brown Seed Crowngrass is a native herbaceous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It is native to areas of North and South America as well as the Caribbean between 30 degrees south and 30 degrees north latitude. In Alabama it is found in the southern third of the state. Brown Seed Crowngrass occurs in coastal prairies, in longleaf pine forests, in pine savannas, on the banks of ponds and rivers, and on roadsides. It is a clump-forming perennial with a short rhizome. The culms are erect, glabrous, and 1-3 feet in height. The leaves are alternate, linear in outline, flat or conduplicate (folded lengthwise with the upper surface within), glabrous, and with entire margins. They are often glaucous and gray- or blueish-green in color. Flowers are produced in terminal panicles of 2-7 divergent branches. The paired spikelets are flat on one side and convex on the other, elliptic to ovate in outline, and greenish-brown in color. Mature spikelets have a large distinctive brown spot. The fruit is a grain. Brown Seed Crowngrass is sometimes planted for pastures, hay production, and for erosion control. Several cultivars are available. It begins growth earlier in the spring than most other warm-season grasses, and remains green throughout most of the winter months.--A. Diamond.

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Native FAC (NWPL)

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