Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Paspalum distichum is a species of grass known by the common name knotgrass. Other common names include couch paspalum, eternity grass, gingergrass, and Thompson grass. Its native range is obscure because it has long been present on most continents, and in most areas it is certainly an introduced species. Its native range probably includes parts of the tropical Americas. This is a perennial grass forming clumps and spreading via rhizomes and stolons. It grows decumbent or erect to a maximum height near 60 centimeters. The flower cluster is usually divided into two braches lined with spikelets.

Plant type

Grass

Size

11 - 24 in Tall

Form

Spreading

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

Green

Flowering season

Summer

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Site type

Moist places

Plant communities

Coastal Salt Marsh, Freshwater Marsh, Valley Grassland, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 4 likely

Confirmed Likely

Green Cutworm Moth

Anicla infecta

Eufala Skipper

Lerodea eufala

Armyworm Moth

Mythimna unipuncta

Yellowstriped Armyworm Moth

Spodoptera ornithogalli