Rattail smutgrass
Sporobolus indicus
Poaceae
Description
The slender, erect stems have seedheads that look like rattails. The seed head is sometimes partly included in the sheath. The panicle is often infested with a black fungus, hence the name. The seed are reddish.
Rattail smutgrass is a perennial, warm-season, introduced - 18 to 42 inches tall.
Poor grazing for both livestock and wildlife.
Habitat
Grows in pastures, meadows, waste places and under trees. It is probably distributed by birds. Can be an invasive grass. The leaves toughen with age and become hard to mow. Native to tropical Asia.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 07 - Edwards Plateau
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
