Bahiagrass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Lawn/Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Excellent heat and humidity tolerance, poor cold tolerance (goes dormant and turns brown with the first hard frost).
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paspaleae
Variety / Cultivar
Argentine or Pensacola (common utility types)
About This Grass
Coarse-textured, light to medium green grass with very tough stems and leaves. Grows 12 to 30 inches tall when allowed to go to seed, but is typically maintained lower in turf settings. Noted for its distinct V-shaped seed heads consisting of two (rarely three) spikelike racemes resembling a pitchfork.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are flat to folded, wide (3-8 mm), coarse, hairless on surfaces but often fringed with hairs near the collar. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled. Ligule is a very short membranous fringe with hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep, tough, and extensive fibrous root system with thick rhizomes and stolons. Provides exceptional drought survival and soil stabilization, though it can create a tight, dense sod that is difficult to dig through.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America, widely naturalized in the southern United States and subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous, forms a tough, coarse, low-growing turf via aggressive above-ground stolons and thick short rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred, moderate shade tolerance. Requires moderate watering for establishment but is highly drought-resistant once established due to its deep root system. Thrives in acidic, sandy soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.0 to 3.0 inches. Low maintenance requirements, needs minimal fertilization (1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually) and infrequent watering. Produces seed heads rapidly throughout the summer, requiring frequent mowing during peak growing season.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established, excellent resistance to most diseases and insects, good tolerance for poor, sandy soils and drought. Forms a tough utility turf.
Ecological Information
Introduced species used extensively for pasture, roadside stabilization, and low-maintenance lawns. Provides fair forage for livestock, good wildlife cover, and excellent erosion control on sandy slopes.