Bahiagrass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Lawn/Turf Grass, and Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11, excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (goes dormant and turns brown with frost).
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Variety / Cultivar
Argentine or Pensacola (common utility cultivars known for deep roots and wide or narrow leaves respectively)
About This Grass
Coarse-textured, light green perennial grass that grows up to 30 inches tall when allowed to mature. Forms loose sod with distinctive Y-shaped V-shaped seed heads that appear on long, slender stalks during the summer months.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm wide), flat to folded, with pointed tips and a bright to medium green color. Rolled in the bud (vernation), prominent midvein, smooth margins, membranous ligule with hairs.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with stout rhizomes, excellent for drought survival and erosion control, moderate to slow establishment from seed, creates moderate thatch under neglect.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Argentina, Brazil); widely naturalized in the southeastern United States and tropical regions worldwide.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and deeply rhizomatous, forming a tough, coarse sod with a somewhat open growth habit.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred, tolerates partial shade. Moderate to high water needs for best appearance, but exceptional drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers acidic, sandy soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2 to 3 inches high, frequent mowing needed during active summer growth due to rapid seed head production. Low fertilizer requirements compared to other warm-season grasses. Low maintenance overall.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance once established, good resistance to most major turf diseases and pests, excellent drought recovery, moderate salt tolerance, strong ability to prevent soil erosion on sandy slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, provides good forage for livestock and grazing animals, stabilizes poor sandy soils effectively, can become weedy in fine lawns if unmanaged.