Bahiagrass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paspaleae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Erosion Control, Low-maintenance Lawn
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bahiagrass (or potentially 'Pensacola' or 'Argentine' given the visible forage-style growth)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Becomes dormant and turns brown after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
A tough, coarse-textured grass with a medium to light green color. It forms a sparse to moderately dense turf. When unmowed, it reaches 6-24 inches and produces distinct Y-shaped seed heads (two or sometimes three racemes).
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium to coarse (4-8mm). Blades are flat or folded at the base, tapering to a pointed tip. Vernation is rolled. The ligule is a short membrane with a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is broad and may have sparse hairs on the margins.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with thick, prolific rhizomes. Low thatch tendency but high root density makes it very drought-tolerant and difficult to eradicate once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay); naturalized in the Southeastern United States and Gulf Coast.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous with thick, woody, short-creeping rhizomes that form a dense, sod-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (requires at least 6-8 hours). Low water needs; very drought-tolerant via dormancy during dry spells. Prefers acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5) and handles sandy, infertile soils well.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 3-4 inches for lawns. Maintenance level is low. Requires frequent sharpening of mower blades due to tough stems. Fertilization: 1-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Dethatching is rarely needed.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought and heat tolerance. High wear tolerance but slow recovery rate. Highly resistant to most pests and diseases. Salt tolerant (moderate). Known for out-competing weeds in poor soils.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides fair forage for livestock. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on roadsides. Can be invasive in high-quality turf settings (like Bermuda or Zoysia lawns) due to its aggressive rhizomes and prolific seeding.