The term “wiregrass” is a common name applied to several distinct grasses that share a tough, wiry texture, leading to identification confusion. The two most notable species are the native bunchgrass Aristida stricta and the highly invasive turf species Cynodon dactylon (Bermudagrass). For most homeowners, the creeping Bermudagrass is the resilient weed most frequently encountered. This analysis focuses on the characteristics that define these plants, particularly the species that challenge cultivated landscapes.
Defining Physical Characteristics
The most distinguishing features of wiregrass are found in its above-ground structure, which gives the plant its descriptive name. The leaves are characteristically thin, long, and stiff, often exhibiting a harsh or abrasive texture. For the native Aristida stricta, the leaves are typically involute (tightly rolled inward), creating a needle-like appearance, and emerge in dense, upright tufts. This perennial bunchgrass can reach heights of up to three feet when flowering.
The weedy Cynodon dactylon has distinctive gray-green or blue-green leaves, usually two to six inches long. Its stems are low-growing and decumbent, creeping along the ground surface. These tough, wiry stems form a dense, intertwined mat that quickly overtakes an area. The stiffness and rigidity of the leaves and stems are unifying traits, making both species resistant to crushing.
The stems of the weedy type are also slightly flattened. The joint where the leaf blade meets the stem often features a conspicuous ring of fine, white hairs, which is a helpful identifier. The seed heads of Cynodon dactylon are arranged in a cluster of two to six spikes, radiating from a single point, resembling a bird’s foot.
Root and Underground Structure
The resilience of wiregrass is largely due to its extensive underground architecture, which makes removal difficult. The common weedy species, Cynodon dactylon, uses two types of horizontal stems for aggressive spread. Above the soil, it produces tough, rope-like stolons (runners) that creep along the surface and root readily at the nodes.
Below the surface, the plant develops thick, scaly rhizomes, which are underground stems that store energy. These rhizomes can penetrate deep into the soil, though most of the root mass is within the top two feet. This combination of stolons and deep rhizomes allows the plant to survive drought, heavy grazing, and mechanical disturbance.
Even small fragments of rhizomes or stolons left behind can regenerate into a new plant. The native Aristida stricta is a cespitose grass, forming dense bunches that slowly expand outward through short, thick rhizomes. These robust underground structures differentiate wiregrass from softer turfgrasses.
Habitat and Growth Patterns
Wiregrass is highly adapted to environments where less tolerant grasses struggle. The weedy species, Cynodon dactylon, is a warm-season perennial that thrives in full sun and high temperatures, becoming dormant and brown below 60°F. It is widely adaptable, growing well in a broad range of soil types, from heavy clay to sandy conditions, and tolerating drought and flooding.
Cynodon dactylon is often found in disturbed areas like lawns, pastures, and roadsides. Its aggressive growth allows it to outcompete less vigorous plants, rapidly forming a dense, low-lying mat. Its ability to spread quickly and tolerate poor soils makes it a tenacious invader in cultivated areas.
The native wiregrass, Aristida stricta, is typically found in the coastal plain ecosystems of the Southeastern United States, favoring well-drained, sandy soils. This species is highly tolerant of poor nutrient conditions and drought. A unique aspect of its growth is its dependence on fire; it requires growing-season burns to stimulate flowering and viable seed production.