Fringed Centipede Grass

Fringed Centipede Grass: A Non-Native Perennial for Warm Climates

Meet fringed centipede grass (Eremochloa ciliaris), a perennial grass that’s made its way from distant shores to establish itself in California’s landscapes. While not a native son of American soil, this grass has carved out its own niche in the Golden State’s diverse plant community.

What Is Fringed Centipede Grass?

Fringed centipede grass is a non-native perennial grass that belongs to the broader family of grasses and grass-like plants. You might occasionally see it referenced by its scientific synonym, Nardus ciliaris, though Eremochloa ciliaris is the accepted name today. This hardy grass has the remarkable ability to reproduce and persist on its own in the wild, showing just how well it’s adapted to its adopted home.

Where Does It Grow?

Currently, fringed centipede grass has established itself in California, where it’s found growing in various habitats. As a facultative upland species in the arid western regions, it typically prefers non-wetland areas but won’t turn its nose up at occasional moisture.

Should You Plant Fringed Centipede Grass?

Here’s where things get interesting. While fringed centipede grass isn’t currently flagged as invasive or noxious, it’s important to remember that it’s not native to our ecosystems. This means it won’t provide the same ecological benefits that our native plants offer to local wildlife, pollinators, and soil organisms.

Consider Native Alternatives

Before choosing fringed centipede grass, consider these native California grass alternatives that will better support your local ecosystem:

• Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) – California’s state grass
• California fescue (Festuca californica) – excellent for erosion control
• Blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus) – beautiful and drought-tolerant
• Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens) – striking ornamental native

If You Choose to Grow It

Should you decide that fringed centipede grass fits your gardening goals, here’s what you need to know:

Growing Conditions

Based on its facultative upland status, fringed centipede grass appears to prefer:

• Well-draining soils
• Full sun to partial shade
• Low to moderate water requirements
• Warm climate conditions (likely USDA zones 9-11)

Garden Role and Landscape Use

While specific landscape uses for fringed centipede grass aren’t well-documented, most perennial grasses can serve as:

• Ground cover in appropriate climates
• Erosion control on slopes
• Texture contrast in mixed plantings
• Low-maintenance lawn alternative in suitable areas

Care and Maintenance

As with most established perennial grasses, fringed centipede grass likely requires minimal care once established. However, because it can reproduce and spread on its own, keep an eye on its growth to ensure it stays where you want it.

Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations

Like most grasses, fringed centipede grass is wind-pollinated rather than insect-pollinated, so it won’t attract bees and butterflies the way flowering native plants do. For maximum ecological benefit, pair any grass plantings with native wildflowers and shrubs that support local pollinators and wildlife.

The Bottom Line

Fringed centipede grass represents the complex world of non-native plants that have naturalized in our landscapes. While it’s not causing obvious harm, choosing native alternatives will always provide greater benefits to your local ecosystem. If you’re drawn to this particular grass, consider using it sparingly and always in combination with native species that support the web of life in your garden.

Remember, every plant choice is a vote for the kind of landscape and ecosystem you want to support. Make it count!