Paspalum lividum Trin., longtom 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, stoloniferous perennial. 
Height: 1 to 3 feet. 
Leaf blade: 2 to 10 inches long; smooth; folded at base. 
Leaf sheath: Distinctly flattened; hairy inside. 
Ligule: Membrane. 
Seedhead: 4 to 7 racemes 1 to 2 inches long; seed borne in 
straight rows along one side of rachis. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in late February or early March ; foliage stays 
green until frost. Produces seed in late summer. Reproduces from 
stolons and from seed. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Fresh to slightly brackish marshes and other wet areas along 
the gulf coast from Alabama to Texas. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Well adapted to firm mineral soils that are wet but not flooded 
for long periods. Grows on sides of ridges near marshes. Tolerates 
no more than 4 inches of water above soil surface for long periods. 
Tolerates moderate salinity. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Longtom is a valuable summer forage and hay plant from March 
through November. Seed are occasionally eaten by wild ducks but 
are rated as inferior food. 
This grass is most productive when no more than 50 percent of 
current year’s growth by weight is grazed off. It withstands short 
periods of heavy use because of its stoloniferous growth. Grazing 
deferments of 30 to 60 days increase seed production and improve 
plant vigor. Burning is not recommended. On some marsh ranges, 
pure stands can be established by controlling the water level. 
When managed for hay production, longtom should be harvested 
every 3 to 4 weeks when soil surface is dry. 
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