Oplismenus hirtellus - Basket grass
Family Poaceae

Description:

About five to seven species of Oplismenus are native to warm regions around the world. This species is native to Africa, North America, and South America. It is not suitable as a turf grass but can spread rapidly as a groundcover in a suitable site. 

Location:

See this plant in shady, moist natural areas of campus.

Size:

Herbaceous perennial to about six inches tall. Flower spikes stand just above the foliage.

Care Instructions:

Light: part shade to shady

Water: moist soils

Soil: adaptable to a wide pH range

This native plant is rarely cultivated in Jacksonville. Where it grows naturally, it can develop into an attractive, low groundcover for shady sites.