SPECIAL GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS FOR THE 

 SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST. 



Paspalum dilatatum, PI. I. 



This may be called Hairy-flowered Paspalum. It lias been found 

 native in Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and 

 Texas, and has been introduced into other States. It also occurs in 

 South America. It grows from 2 to 5 feet high, with numerous leaves 

 about a foot in length, and one-third to one-half an inch in breadth. 

 It does not creep upon the ground like the following species, but is in- 

 clined to grow in tufts, which may attain considerable size. It is rec- 

 ommended both for pasture and hay by the few who have tried it. 



This species has been called Paspalum ovatum, but the name above 

 given, having been first applied, js the proper one. 



Charles K. Ely, Smith Point, Southeastern Texas: 



Paspalum dilatatum was brought to this country about twelve years ago and planted 

 by S. B. Wallis. It is a promising grass for hay and pasture, growing best on moist 

 lands, but doing well on upland. It is easily subdued by cultivation and is not in- 

 clined to encroach on cultivated lands. It is best propagated by roots or sets, the 

 seed not being reliable. It is rather slow in starting, but when well rooted it spreads 

 and overcomes all other grasses. Tramping and grazing is more of an advantage to 

 it than otherwise. I think that this grass will succeed in a great variety of soils and 

 climates, but those planting it must have patience with it at first. 



Mr. Wallis, above referred to, says : 



This I consider the most valuable of all the grasses with which I am acquainted ; 

 it is perennial and grows here all the year round, furnishing excellent green feed for 

 stock at all seasons, except that the green blades freeze in our very coldest weather; 

 perhaps two or three times in a winter. It increases rapidly from seeds, and also re- 

 produces itself from suckers, which sprout from the nodes of the culm after the first 

 crop of seed has ripened. I have seen these suckers remain green for six or eight 

 weeks after the old stalks were as dead and dry as hay, and then when the old stalk 

 had fallen to the ground take root and form new plants. It grows well on all kinds 

 of dry land. Plants two or three years old form stools 12 to 18 inches across. The 

 grass has very strong roots, and grows in the longest drought almost as fast as when 

 it rains. 



Mr. H. W. Johnson, of Dodge, Walker County, in Eastern Texas, 

 has sent specimens of this grass to the Department as a promising grass 

 for that locality. He states that it spreads rapidly and. is relished by 

 all kinds of stock. 



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