SafePlants

Windmill Grass (Chloris spp.)

Windmill grass, belonging to the genus Chloris, encompasses a variety of grass species known for their distinctive windmill-like seedheads. The genus is also commonly referred to as finger grass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chloris Sw.
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Grass family (Poaceae or Gramineae)
• Synonyms/Related Names: Several species within the Enteropogon genus are also referred to as Windmill Grasses.

Common Species and Varieties:

• Chloris andropogonoides - slimspike windmill grass
• Chloris arenaria
• Chloris barbata - Purpletop Rhodes Grass
• Chloris canterai var. canterai - Paraguayan windmill grass
• Chloris ciliata - fringed windmill grass
• Chloris divaricata - spreading windmill grass
• Chloris elata - tall windmill grass
• Chloris gayana - Rhodes grass
• Chloris lobata
• Chloris mossambicensis
• Chloris orthonoton
• Chloris paniculata
• Chloris parvispicula
• Chloris pectinata - comb windmill grass, comb chloris
• Chloris pilosa
• Chloris submutica - Mexican Windmill Grass
• Chloris truncata - creeping windmill grass, windmill grass, star grass
• Chloris verticillata - tumble windmill grass

Distribution and Habitat

The Chloris genus is widespread and found worldwide. Some species are native to Australia and others to Africa and the Americas. They are often found in open grasslands and heavy clay soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Windmill grasses are often erect, short, tufted, and hairless.
• They can be annual or perennial.
• The stems typically turn upward, creating the characteristic windmill-like appearance.

Ecological Role

• Windmill grass can be a prolific grower.
• Its presence can impact the density of turfgrass, potentially leading to opportunities for weed growth.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It can be found growing with other grasses such as Mitchell grass, black speargrass, gulf bluegrass, kangaroo grass, and Queensland bluegrass.
• In some areas, it co-exists with Buffel Grass.

Further Information

• Grass Manual on the Web: Manual of Grasses for North America North of