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Sweet Tanglehead

Heteropogon melanocarpus

Found in sandy roadsides, disturbed areas; possibly naturalized from the Old World. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Florida edition What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to Florida. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 71%

Height
Up to about 6 feet
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Dry to wet

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Florida.

At a glance

Life cycle
Annual
Bloom
September to October

Not yet recorded · Spread · Leaves

Recorded in 44 Florida counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

1CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including FL

Genus host records with ranges including FL · Heteropogon

  • Lerema acciusClouded Skipper, Corn Leaf tier
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Poaceae
Flower color
Green or brown

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Florida rankSU
Global rankG4?
FL statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Native alternatives

Find natives for your garden

Sources