When we talk about Cyprus grass, we don't mean a single plant. Although the same species are mostly found in our four walls, there are many more interesting Cyprus grasses.
What types of Cyprus grass are there and are they suitable for cats?
Cyprus grass includes about 600 species, mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Well-known species in Central Europe include Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus albostriatus and Cyperus papyrus. Cyprus grasses are usually non-toxic and can be nibbled by cats.
Most species come from the tropics and subtropics
There are around 600 species worldwide. Most species are found in tropical and subtropical regions. 27 of the 600 find their home in Europe. One thing they all have in common is that they belong to the sourgrass plant family and primarily inhabit swamps.
Species found in Central Europe
It is not uncommon to find the following species at their maximum height on Central European soil:
- Bulbable Cyprus grass: 90 cm
- Dwarf Cyprus grass: 15 cm
- Pannonian Cyprus grass: 20 cm
- Brown Cyprus grass: 25 cm, clump-forming
- Fresh green Cyprus grass: 60 cm, herbaceous
- Tiger nut: 100 cm, herbaceous
- Chestnut Cyprus grass: 40 cm
- Tangle Cyprus grass: 150 cm
- Tall Cyprus grass: 200 cm, many runners
The most famous species: Cyperus alternifolius
Cyperus alternifolius can often be found in apartments and houses in this country. This specimen is the best-known and most widespread species worldwide. It is particularly popular as a houseplant. It is rarely planted outdoors because it is not hardy.
Cyperus alternifolius can grow up to 1 m high. Narrow leaves that appear extremely delicate, round to triangular in shape and finely fibrous stripes characterize the overall appearance. The flowers of this perennial species, originally native to Madagascar, are brown.
Three other interesting species
Last but not least, Cyperus albostriatus, Cyperus papyrus and Cyperus haspan are interesting. The former Cyprus grass impresses with its bright green color, grows up to 90 cm high and produces light brown flowers.
Cyperus papyrus is colored dark green. The perennial grows up to 3 m high and has both particularly thick stalks (2 cm) and particularly long leaves (up to 25 cm). Cyperus haspan is popular as a houseplant, grows between 30 and 80 cm high and produces brown flower spikes from May onwards.
Tip
No matter which Cyprus grass you choose – they are all non-toxic and provide suitable nibble for cats.