Slough Grass Plant Care
Beckmannia eruciformis Host
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Beckmannia eruciformis, the European slough-grass or slough grass, is an annual or short lived perennial in the grass family, Poaceae, found in shallow marshes or sloughs, and used for animal fodder and forage.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Slough Grass?
Water Slough Grass every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Slough Grass?
Slough Grass (Beckmannia eruciformis) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Beckmannia genus. Slough Grass is native to shallow marshes or sloughs, and used for animal fodder and forage. Slough Grass is also known as Eel Grass.
Slough Grass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Slough Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slough Grass?
Beckmannia eruciformis requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Slough Grass Need?
Slough Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slough Grass Prefer?
Beckmannia eruciformis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Slough Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slough Grass?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Slough Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slough Grass?
Feed Slough Grass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Slough Grass?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Slough Grass?
Slough Grass can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american sloughgrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slough Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slough Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Slough Grass?
Slough Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Slough Grass Need?
Slough Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Slough Grass is native to shallow marshes or sloughs, and used for animal fodder and forage. In cooler regions, grow Slough Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Slough Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Beckmannia genus — compare its care with other Beckmannia species on PlantoScan.
Beckmannia is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Slough Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Beckmannia eruciformis Host, family Poaceae (first published in Icon. Descr. Gram. Austriac. 3: 5, t. 6. 1805) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slough Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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