SafePlants

Angleton Bluestem: A Versatile Grass

Angleton bluestem, scientifically known as Dichanthium aristatum, is a perennial grass with a rich history and diverse uses. It is also known as King Ranch bluestem, angleton grass, angleton blue-stem, wildergrass, and hierba angleton, among other names.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dichanthium aristatum (Poir.) C.E. Hubbard
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms:
  • Andropogon nodosus
  • Dichanthium nidosum
  • Lepeocercis mollicoma

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern Asia.
• Introduced to various regions, including Texas (King Ranch), Yunnan, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A perennial, warm-season grass.
• Grows as bunchgrasses.
• Culms (stems) range from 8 to 40 inches in height.
• Leaf sheaths are 1.25 to 1.5 inches long.
• Features green foliage and yellow flowers.

Ecological Role

• Considered an exotic species in the U.S.
• Listed as an invasive species in some regions.

Traditional Uses

• Historically used as forage for livestock.
• Can be managed through fertilization and rotation grazing to maintain palatability.

Considerations for Pets:

• Mention of burs/grain associated with similar grasses (Buffelgrass) that can cause irritation or become lodged in fur.

Synonyms and Common Names

• Common names include Angleton Grass (Australia, Cuba), Alabang X (Philippines), Angleton blue-stem (United States), wildergrass (Hawai?i), hierba angleton, puntero (Spanish).
• Other common names include Diaz Bluestem, Ringed Beard Grass, Brahman Grass, and Kleberg Grass.

Further Information

• Information is available from the USDA PLANTS database.
• Plants of Hawaii website by Forest and Kim Starr.