SafePlants

Bothriochloa alta: Tall Beardgrass

Bothriochloa alta, commonly known as tall beardgrass, is a perennial graminoid (grass-like plant) that is native to Texas and other states.

Considerations for Pets

• Tall beardgrass can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall, potentially obscuring smaller pets in a garden setting.
• Some sources mention that golden beard grass is moderately to highly palatable.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bothriochloa alta (Hitchc.) Henr.
• Common Name: Tall beardgrass
• Genus: Bothriochloa Kuntze
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Synonym: Andropogon altus Hitchc.
• Other Bothriochloa Species Mentioned: Bothriochloa longipaniculata, Bothriochloa barbinodis, Bothriochloa bladhii, Bothriochloa ambigua, Bothriochloa anamitica, Bothriochloa assimilis, Bothriochloa pertusa

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Americas, from New Mexico to Argentina.
• Also found in India.
• Grows in tropical and subtropical America.

Ecological Role

• May be considered an invasive clumping grass in some areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plant.
• Graminoid.
• Grows in dense clumps.
• Can reach a height of up to 2 meters (6 feet).
• Produces large, broom-like tufted seed heads.
• Stalk on which the seed head is borne may be up to 1.5 m tall.
• Erect culms (main grain stems), 50 to 150 cm tall, compressed, with broad keeled.

Quirky Facts

• "Turkey Feet" is also listed as a common name for a plant in the Andropogon genus that has "tall and slender stems"

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The grass may be more palatable or nutritious at certain stages of growth based on the statement that "Golden beard grass is moderately to highly palatable".
• Recommended for use with Preen Landscape Weed Control Fabric.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life