Bahiagrass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control Grass
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. Excellent heat tolerance, moderate cold tolerance for a warm-season grass (survives northern transition zone winters), and enters winter dormancy with the first frost.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paspaleae
Variety / Cultivar
'Pensacola' (most common, fine-textured, deep roots, cold tolerant)
About This Grass
Forms a coarse-textured, tough turf with a sprawling growth habit. When unmaintained or allowed to grow, it shoots up distinct, V-shaped twin raceme seed heads on tall, slender stems up to 30 inches tall. Color is a light to medium apple green during the growing season, turning yellowish-brown or going completely dormant with frost.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse in width (3 to 6 mm), flat to slightly folded, with pointed tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Leaves are relatively flat, smooth, hairless on surfaces with some hairs at the collar margins, and feature a prominent midrib. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep, tough, and fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil profile. Exhibits high drought tolerance due to deep roots, moderate to fast establishment from seed, and forms a very tough, thick sod that resists erosion.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Argentina, Brazil); widely naturalized in the southeastern United States, Australia, and tropical regions worldwide.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous, producing a tough, dense, low-growing turf mat that spreads moderately fast via aggressive ground runners.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours daily) and performs poorly in heavy shade. Moderate to high water needs for best appearance, but exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, entering dormancy during prolonged dry spells. Adapts well to poor, sandy, acidic soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.0 to 3.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during the summer growing season due to rapid seed head production on tall stems. Fertilization needs are low (2 to 3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low overall maintenance requirement.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and ability to thrive on poor, sandy soils where other grasses fail. Highly resistant to many common turf diseases and insects (like mole crickets compared to other warm-season grasses). Excellent for erosion control on slopes and roadsides.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides moderate wildlife forage value for livestock and wildlife (seed heads eaten by birds). Excellent soil stabilization qualities on sandy coastal soils. Can act as a persistent weed in fine residential turf due to its coarse texture and rapid seed head emergence.