Poaceae

• The true-grasses are a large family of plants, with more than 9,000 species worldwide. Species native to Florida include the bristle basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus), the gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), the sea oats (Uniola paniculata), the southern wiregrass
  
  (Aristida beyrichiana), Elliott's love grass (Eragrostis elliottii), the purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis), the smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and the lopsided indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum). The spikegrass (Chasmanthium latifolium), the big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and the hairgrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) are more common in northern areas of the state.
  
  

Cyperaceae

• Although less numerous than the true-grasses, some members of the Cyperaceae family are also native to Florida. The Jamaica swamp sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), which can reach up to 6 feet in height; the giant bulrush (Scirpus californicus), often found in marshy areas; the woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus); and the painted sedge (Rhynchospora colorata) are some examples.
  
  

Juncaceae

• Juncaceae is a small family, with only eight genera around the world, which often can grow in infertile soils and in various moisture conditions. Juncus and Luzula are the only two genera native to Florida. The tapertip rush (Juncus acuminatus), the toad rush (Juncus bufonicus), the round-head rush (Juncus validus) and other 19 species of the genus Juncus are found in the state. Only two species of the genus Luzula are native to Florida -- the hairy woodrush (L. acuminata) and the hedgehog woodrush (L. echinata).
  
  

Relationship With Humans and Wildlife

• The Lopsided indiangrass is one of the most common native grasses of Florida. It is beneficial for erosion control, and is also used for livestock forage. The gamagrass Tripsacum dactyloides, which is generally found near the edges of rivers and lakes, can also be used for feeding livestock. Natives grasses also provide shelter and food to wildlife, helping to maintain the ecological balance.