SafePlants

Star Grass: A Versatile Name for Various Plants

The term "star grass" encompasses several different plant species, leading to potential confusion. This article explores the plants commonly referred to as star grass and their characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species referred to as stargrass, particularly those in the genus *Hypoxis*, have grass-like leaves, which might be tempting for pets to chew on.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Names: *Heteranthera zosterifolia*, *Cynodon nlemfuensis*, *Cynodon plectostachyus*, *Cynodon dactylon*, *Hypoxis hirsuta*, *Zosterella spp.*
• Common Names: Star grass, Giant stargrass, African stargrass, Yellow stargrass, Water stargrass, Naivasha star grass

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Various, depending on the species. Mentions include:
  • Bermudagrass family (for *Cynodon* spp.)
  • Hypoxidaceae (for *Hypoxis* spp.)
  • Liliaceae (Lily family for *Hypoxis hirsuta*)
  • Pontederiaceae (pickerelweed family for *Zosterella spp*)
• Genus: *Heteranthera*, *Cynodon*, *Hypoxis*, *Zosterella*
• Species: *Heteranthera zosterifolia*, *Cynodon nlemfuensis*, *Cynodon plectostachyus*, *Cynodon dactylon*, *Hypoxis hirsuta*, *Zosterella spp.*

Distribution and Habitat

• *Heteranthera zosterifolia* is native to Brazil, where it grows in still water and marshy areas.
• *Hypoxis hirsuta* (Yellow Star Grass) is commonly found in dry prairies and open woods throughout eastern North America and the tallgrass prairie region. It can also be found in wetter areas.
• *Zosterella spp.* is native to Florida

Ecological Role

• Some star grasses, like *Cynodon* species, provide good erosion control and weed suppression.
• They are known for their quick growth and establishment.
• They tolerate drought conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

• *Heteranthera zosterifolia* quickly forms a bushy plant group through the production of many side shoots.
• Water stargrass (*Zosterella spp.*) is grass-like with thin, branching dark-green stems and alternate leaves with no prominent midvein. It can grow up to 6 feet long.
• *Cynodon nlemluensis Van-deryst* plants are robust with large leaves.
• Yellow Star Grass (*Hypoxis hirsuta*) has a rosette of slender basal leaves and slightly shorter flowering stems. When not in bloom, it can easily be mistaken for grass.

Quirky Facts

• Yellow stargrass (*Hypoxis hirsuta*) is often misidentified as a grass until it flowers.
• Star Grass (*Hypoxis* spp.) was historically used as a medicinal herb to treat colic.