Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Paspalum urvillei
| USDA Symbol: | PAUR2 |
| ITIS TSN: | 41043 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | South America |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Naturalized in the Southeastern U.S. west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as California and Hawaii. Occurs in all counties of the Lower Galveston Bay watershed.Introduction Pathways
Brought to the United States before 1880, attempts were largely unsuccessful at making it a valuable forage crop.Specific Primary Habitats
Thrives in well-drained, moist soils. Generally invades disturbed areas in full-sun. Typically found along streams and on the margins of lakes and ponds. Once established, vaseygrass can withstand periods of drought.Identifying Characteristics
Vaseygrass is a perennial bunchgrass with erect, green culms (stems). Culms are hairless, except at the base where they are thickened, hairy, and purplish. Leaf blades are green, 5-22 inches long, and 0.1-0.5 inches in width. Inflorescence is up to 1 foot in length, and is comprised of 4-30 alternately arranged branches, each about 5 inches long. Seeds occur on one side of the branch.Reproduction Characteristics
Abundantly produces seeds which are readily wind-dispersed; produces around 970,000 seeds per kilogram of plant biomass. Flowers and seeds are produced from May through November. Seeds ripen unevenly.Growth Characteristics
Seedlings of vaseygrass are very vigorous. Its erect stems may reach 6 feet in height.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Can invade coastal prairies and wetland fringes, displacing native, wet-prairie grasses. Vaseygrass is potentially invasive in pastures where rotational stocking is employed, and is much less palatable when full grown.Suggested Control Methods
Foliar application has been shown to be effective using Glyphosate and Imazapyr. If found in pastures, vaseygrass should be grazed heavily to prevent flowering.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. A cluster of single vaseygrass tufts. Photo courtesy of Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1120356. |
 Close-up of inflorescence of vaseygrass. Photo courtesy of Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1120357. |
 Close-up of ligule of vaseygrass. Photo courtesy of John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 11391195. |
 Close-up of leaf blade of vaseygrass joining leaf sheath. Photo courtesy of John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1391131. |
 Single inflorescence of vaseygrass. Photo courtesy of John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1391332. |