Bahia Grass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Pensacola (likely, based on common occurrence in mixed pastures)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11. Poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown quickly after the first frost.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing perennial with a yellowish-green to dark green color. It is highly recognized for its distinctive 'Y' or 'V' shaped raceme seed heads that emerge on tall stalks during the summer months.
Blade Characteristics
Wide blades (4-8mm), flat to folded, pointed tips, light green color, folded vernation. Ligule is a short membrane; auricles are typically absent or very short.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with thick, woody rhizomes. Low thatch tendency compared to Bermuda but very high establishment strength and drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico), naturalized in the Southeastern United States
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and stoloniferous; forms a low-growing, tough mat sod via woody rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours). High drought tolerance; survives in sandy, acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5). Low water requirement once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing in summer to remove tough seed stalks. Low fertilization (1-3 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year). Low maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and drought resistance. Highly resistant to most pests and diseases. Very salt tolerant. Poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Used for soil stabilization on roadsides and as forage for cattle. Can be invasive in high-quality turf areas. Shown here intermixed with broadleaf weeds (Sicklepod/Senna obtusifolia).