Mauritian Grass: What Gardeners Should Know About This Lesser-Known Perennial Grass
If you’ve stumbled across the name Mauritian grass (Apluda) in your plant research, you’re looking at one of the more mysterious members of the grass family. While this perennial grass has found its way into a few locations in the United States, it’s not exactly what you’d call a garden center favorite—and there are some good reasons why.
Where Does Mauritian Grass Come From?
Despite its common name suggesting ties to Mauritius, Mauritian grass is actually native to the Pacific Basin, though not Hawaii. It’s considered a non-native species in the continental United States, where it has established itself and reproduces without human intervention. Currently, you can find it growing in Maryland and, interestingly, all the way out in Palau.
What Does Mauritian Grass Look Like?
As a member of the grass family, Mauritian grass has the typical grass-like appearance you’d expect, but specific details about its height, spread, and ornamental characteristics aren’t well-documented in horticultural literature. This lack of information is actually telling—it suggests this isn’t a grass that’s caught the attention of gardeners and landscapers in any significant way.
Should You Plant Mauritian Grass in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Mauritian grass isn’t flagged as invasive or noxious (at least not that we know of), the limited information available about its garden performance, growing requirements, and potential benefits makes it a bit of a wild card for home gardeners.
Since we don’t have clear details about:
- Its preferred growing conditions
- USDA hardiness zones
- Benefits to pollinators or wildlife
- How it behaves in garden settings
- Proper care and maintenance needs
You might be taking a gardening gamble if you decide to grow it.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of rolling the dice with Mauritian grass, why not consider some well-documented native grasses that offer proven benefits? Depending on your location, you might explore:
- Native bunch grasses that provide habitat for local wildlife
- Regional sedges that thrive in your specific climate
- Indigenous prairie grasses with known pollinator benefits
These alternatives come with the advantage of detailed growing information, proven garden performance, and clear benefits to local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Mauritian grass remains something of an enigma in the gardening world. While it’s established itself in a few locations and doesn’t appear to be problematic, the lack of horticultural information makes it difficult to recommend for home gardens. Your time and garden space are valuable—consider investing them in native grasses with documented benefits and clear growing guidelines instead.
If you’re curious about native grass options for your specific region, consult with your local extension office or native plant society. They can point you toward grasses that will thrive in your conditions while supporting local wildlife and pollinators.
