Dallis Grass, a type of grass commonly found in the southern United States, is spelled with two L's. Its phonetic transcription in IPA is /ˈdæləs ˌɡræs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "DAL-lis" with a short "a" sound, followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable. The second word, "grass," is pronounced with a short "a" sound in the first syllable and an "as" sound in the second syllable. Overall, the spelling of Dallis Grass is fairly phonetic and straightforward.
Dallis grass is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to the southeastern regions of the United States, particularly Texas and Louisiana. Its scientific name is Paspalum dilatatum. This coarse grass belongs to the Poaceae family and is recognized for its ability to grow rapidly and aggressively, often dominating and suppressing other plant species in its vicinity.
Dallis grass typically reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet and forms dense clumps or patches with its extensive roots and rhizomes. It has broad, flat leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long and are often covered with fine hairs, giving them a coarse texture. The grass produces numerous flower spikes, each containing up to 45 spikelets that bear viable seeds.
Due to its aggressive growth and invasive nature, Dallis grass is generally considered as a weed or undesirable plant in pastures, lawns, and cultivated areas. Its rapid spreading and choking habit can reduce the productivity of desirable turf, forage, or crops. Controlling Dallis grass can be challenging, often requiring a combination of methods such as mowing, herbicide application, and cultural practices to limit its growth and spread.
While Dallis grass can be problematic for agricultural and landscaping purposes, it does have some advantages. Its dense growth habit can help prevent soil erosion and improve the stability of banks, slopes, and disturbed sites. Additionally, some livestock and wildlife species may consume Dallis grass as forage, making it potentially useful in certain grazing situations.
The word "Dallis grass" is derived from the scientific name Paspalum dilatatum, which belongs to the genus Paspalum. The specific epithet "dilatatum" comes from the Latin word "dilatatus", meaning "widened" or "expanded", referring to the broad spreading growth habit of this grass. The common name "Dallis grass" originates from the location where it was first introduced to the United States, Dallis, Texas.