Overview
Tragus berteronianus is a plant with a prostrate, mat-forming habit in the genus Tragus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Tragus berteronianus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include weed control and erosion prevention.
About
Tragus berteronianus, commonly known as African bur grass, is a prostrate, mat-forming grass from the Poaceae family. This deciduous cultivar thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered sites with fertile, well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is particularly valued for weed control and erosion prevention during spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved by seed or division.
About the genus
Tragus, commonly called bur gras, burr grass or carrot-seed grass, is a genus of plants in the grass family. It is native to Africa, Australia, and Eurasia with several species on islands in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans plus one species in Argentina.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tragus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tragus (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tragus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tragus berteronianus size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Prostrate, mat-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Weed control, erosion prevention
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tragus berteronianus
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tragus berteronianus?
Tragus berteronianus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tragus berteronianus need?
Tragus berteronianus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Tragus berteronianus hardy in the UK?
Tragus berteronianus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Tragus berteronianus?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.