The term “wire grass” is a common name used to describe a turf or weed species known for its resilience and tough, wiry texture. In many areas, this name refers specifically to Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), a warm-season perennial grass. This plant is known both as a desirable, durable turfgrass for sports fields and as a highly aggressive, difficult-to-control weed in lawns.
The Defining Features of Wire Grass
The foliage of wire grass presents a distinct color, generally appearing as a gray-green or bluish-green hue, which helps it stand out against other common lawn grasses. Its leaf blades are fine-textured, narrow, and sharply pointed, typically measuring between two and eight inches in length and only two to five millimeters wide. This fine texture contributes to the dense, low-growing mat the species creates when mowed closely.
Looking closely at the junction where the leaf blade meets the stem, known as the collar region, reveals a key identification feature. Bermuda grass lacks auricles, which are small, claw-like appendages found on some grasses. However, it possesses a ligule that is an inconspicuous fringe of short white hairs, a reliable characteristic for visual identification.
When allowed to grow without mowing, the plant produces a distinctive seed head structure, usually appearing from mid to late summer. The flower stems terminate in a whorl of three to nine slender, finger-like spikes that radiate outward from a single point, resembling a bird’s foot. These spikes are typically between one and four inches long and carry the small, light-brown seeds.
Understanding Its Aggressive Growth Habit
The common name “wire grass” comes directly from the plant’s robust and tough method of lateral spread. This species uses a dual system of reproductive stems, allowing it to colonize new areas efficiently. Above the soil surface, it sends out horizontal stems called stolons, which are flat, smooth, and wiry.
These stolons creep along the ground, rooting down at nodes to establish new plants, forming a dense mat. Simultaneously, wire grass extends underground stems known as rhizomes, which are scaly and tough. The rhizomes spread horizontally beneath the soil, acting as energy storage organs and protected points from which the plant can regrow after surface growth is damaged.
This combination of above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes makes the plant exceptionally resilient and difficult to eradicate. The hard, almost woody texture of these runners gives the grass its characteristic “wire-like” feel, which is the source of its aggressive reputation. A deep root system, sometimes extending over a foot deep, further contributes to its drought tolerance and hardiness.
Distinguishing Wire Grass from Common Lawn Species
Wire grass is a warm-season grass, and its texture and growth habit contrast clearly with other common turf types. Compared to St. Augustine grass, wire grass has a much finer texture and a darker green or blue-green color. St. Augustine is known for its conspicuously coarse, broad leaf blades and spreads only by above-ground stolons, unlike wire grass.
When compared to Zoysia grass, the distinction is mainly in growth rate and texture. Wire grass establishes and spreads much more quickly and aggressively, while Zoysia is a slower-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like turf with medium-textured blades. Zoysia also exhibits better tolerance for partial shade, whereas wire grass requires full sunlight to thrive.
Fescue grass, a cool-season variety, is primarily a clumping grass that lacks the spreading stolons and rhizomes characteristic of wire grass. Fescue has a superior ability to tolerate shade and maintains its green color through cooler months. Wire grass, conversely, turns brown and goes dormant during cooler periods, making its fine-textured, rapidly spreading nature the key distinguishing feature.