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Native Plant Society of Texas

Florida Paspalum

Paspalum floridanum

Other common name(s):

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Grass & Sedge

Height

5
to
7
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Green, Brown

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Plays a role in soil erosion control, making it a valuable plant for conservation. Native habitat: prairies, meadows, pastures, savannas, open woodlands. Not common in plant nurseries but seeds are available commercially. Propagation: seed, cutting, division.

Comments

Blooms August-November. A stout, erect, warm season grass. Plants are bunch-like but slowly spread from short, thick rhizomes forming a sod over time.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Paspalum glabrum, Paspalum laevigatum, Paspalum macrospermum, Paspalum laeve var. floridanum

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Freshly harvested seed has a high degree of dormancy which is reduced as the seed ages. Ambient (room) temperature storage reduces dormancy better than cold stratification treatment, with the best germination attained after 9 months of ambient storage. Cold storage reduces seed dormancy less quickly, requiring a minimum of 3 years of cold storage to reduce seed dormancy. For optimal germination, Florida Paspalum seeds thrive in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. This warm environment encourages quick sprouting, setting the stage for healthy growth. Florida paspalum establishes quite easily from seed compared to many other warm-season grasses. Seedlings are vigorous and compete well with concurrently germinating weeds, establishing well in the first growing season with adequate moisture and fertility. Florida paspalum can be seeded in a pure stand or in a mix of other species with a seeding depth of 1/4” on fine textured soils and up to 3/4” on coarse textured soils. The smooth seed can be planted with most seed drills or broadcast seeded into a prepared firm seedbed. It is recommended to firm the seedbed after seeding with a roller or culti-packer. General seeding recommendations are 6 to 8 pounds PLS per acre for most applications. Seeds are large and light with approximately 91,000 seeds/lb. With adequate moisture, most seeds will germinate within 7 days. 1) https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pafl4.pdf 2) https://greg.app/florida-paspalum-overview/#:~:text=Florida%20Paspalum%20supports%20local%20wildlife,growth%2C%20fostering%20a%20thriving%20ecosystem.
Clump Division Carefully separate clumps of grass and replant them in prepared soil to ensure they thrive in their new locations. Early spring or fall. https://greg.app/florida-paspalum-overview/#:~:text=Florida%20Paspalum%20supports%20local%20wildlife,growth%2C%20fostering%20a%20thriving%20ecosystem.
Stem Cutting Use a rooting medium composed of peat and perlite for the best results. Select healthy stems that are 4-6 inches long https://greg.app/florida-paspalum-overview/#:~:text=Florida%20Paspalum%20supports%20local%20wildlife,growth%2C%20fostering%20a%20thriving%20ecosystem.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason