Poaceae
goosegrass: Edible Plant
Eleusine indica
Requires full sun (minimum 6 hours direct light) and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant but prefers moist conditions during establishment. Rapid growth in temperatures 20-35°C. Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Annual that dies in frost.
Every 7-10 days
Direct sun
13° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is goosegrass?
goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is a medium-care plant from the Poaceae family. A small annual grass widely distributed in warm regions worldwide to approximately 50 degrees latitude. Characterized by rapid growth, forming dense tufts reaching 15-90 cm tall. Leaf blades are linear-lanceolate, 5-30 cm long, mostly glabrous and keeled with a distinctive white or silvery base. Dev...
goosegrass grows up to 90cm, 13°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for goosegrass?
TLDR: goosegrass needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 13-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water goosegrass?
Tolerates both dry and wet soil conditions once established. Keep soil moist during germination and early growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
How Much Light Does goosegrass Need?
Demands full sun exposure (minimum 6 hours daily). Cannot grow in shade or partial shade. Optimal performance in full sunlight.
What Is the Best Soil for goosegrass?
Adapts to various soil types (sandy, loamy, clay) but prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates pH 6.0-8.0 (acidic to basic).
What Pot Should You Use for goosegrass?
Not suitable for potted cultivation; field/outdoor species only.
What Is goosegrass and Where Does It Come From?
A small annual grass widely distributed in warm regions worldwide to approximately 50 degrees latitude. Characterized by rapid growth, forming dense tufts reaching 15-90 cm tall. Leaf blades are linear-lanceolate, 5-30 cm long, mostly glabrous and keeled with a distinctive white or silvery base. Develops a particularly tough and fibrous root system resistant to removal. Seeds are small, black to brown in color, produced abundantly—up to 120,000 per plant—and easily dispersed by wind and water. Requires full sunlight and cannot tolerate shade, preferring well-drained soil. Performs C4 photosynthesis, enabling growth in hot climates. Flowering occurs July to August with greenish-yellow flowers; seeds mature August to October. Found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and cultivated fields.
How Big Does goosegrass Grow?
TLDR: goosegrass can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Diuretic
- Febrifuge (fever reduction)
- Anti-helminthic
- Diaphoretic
Culinary Uses
- Seeds edible (cooked as millet, low yield)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect goosegrass?
TLDR: goosegrass is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Root-Knot Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) are microscopic roundworms that parasitize plant roots, causing characteristic galls or knots. These soil-borne pests are among the most economically damaging plant pathogens worldwide, affecting a wide range of ornamental and edible plants. The nematodes inject enzymes into root cells, causing abnormal swelling and disrupting water and nutrient uptake.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
