Synonym(s):
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Grass/Grasslike
The ligule is firm and membranous with a few spreading hairs at the margins. There are no auricles. The mature plant forms loose bunches, 1 to 4 feet (30 - 120 cm) high. The flower head,which is similar to that of goosegrass, consists of 3 to 6 flower structures that arise apart on the stem and often droop. The leaf sheath is somewhat flattened; at the base, it is hairy, often tinged red, and usually inflated. The underground shoots are fairly short with areas that appear as concentric rings. Dallisgrass can be differentiated from tall fescue which forms clumps rather than loose bunches.
Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Dallisgrass.
Ecological Threat: Its rapid growth and profuse seed production enable it to quickly invade garden or orchard areas. Dallisgrass creates an unsightly clump in turfgrass that can be a problem in golf courses, sports playing fields, and home landscapes.
Biology & Spread: Dallisgrass produces abundant amounts of seed, which are its primary means of dispersal. Water, lawn mowers, and humans or pets spread the seed to new places
History: Native to South America, Dallisgrass was introduced into tropical and subtropical areas as a forage species/fodder in wet areas or irrigated sites. Also considered invasive in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
U.S. Habitat: Disturbed areas
U.S. Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: South America
U.S. Present: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, OR, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Distribution in Texas: Most of the Central and Eastern portions of Texas (especially along I-10 corridor) and along the Rio Grande River.
Invaders of Texas Map: Paspalum dilatatum
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List All Observations of Paspalum dilatatum reported by Citizen Scientists
A major component of dallisgrass management is preventing establishment of new plants. In home landscapes, removing young plants by digging them out before they form rhizomes or set seed is the best strategy for control. Mature plants can also be dug out, but they sometimes grow back if rhizomes are left behind. In professionally managed turfgrass areas, prevention is an important component in managing this weed. When dallisgrass is abundant or the plants are located over a large area, it may be necessary to supplement cultural practices with herbicides
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.Pest Notes: Dallisgrass
UC ANR Publication 7491
Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Meacham. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version 1.0.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/paspalum-dilatatum/
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.38953
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