Thicket/ Prostrate Bead-Grass

COMMON NAME: Prostrate Bead-Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Slender Papalum

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Paspalum setaceum var. psammophilum

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Prostrate to 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Early July to October

FRUITING TIME: Mid July to October

DISTRIBUTION: New Hampshire to Florida ~ Coastal plain in New Jersey ~ Mexico and West Indies Island

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Prostrate to erect, hairy or smooth ~ Leaves narrow, mostly near base ~ Blades soft, deep green ~ Spikelet tufted, usually paired, elliptic to oval forming 2-rowed or 4-rowed seeds along one side of stem ~ Short knotty rhizomes

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Poaceae family is commonly called the grass family.  This genus (Paspalum) has 42 species in the United States and about 250 species worldwide.  These grasses are most abundant in warm regions and in the United States are most plentiful in the Southeast. The name of this genus (Paspalum) is from the Greek paspale meaning “meal” and likely refers to the seeds which are eaten by wildlife. Bead Grasses are named for the seeds found along one side of the stem.  These plants grow in dry or moist areas.  These grasses provide food for upland gamebirds and other birds.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.