Bahia Grass (surrounding the central broadleaf weed)
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Argentine (likely based on typical pasture/lawn usage seen)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
A low-growing, creeping perennial with a light to medium green color. It is known for its Y-shaped seed heads (racemes) and high tolerance for poor soils.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 4-8mm wide (coarse), flat, hairless or with few hairs on margins, with a pointed tip and a prominent midrib. Vernation is rolled.
Root System
Extensive and deep fibrous root system combined with thick rhizomes; very low thatch tendency and excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America; common in the Southeastern USA (Florida to Texas)
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous with short, stout, woody rhizomes forming a dense, tough sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun; low water requirements once established; thrives in sandy, acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 3.0 to 4.0 inches; requires frequent mowing during summer to manage rapid seed head production; low fertilization needs.
Special Characteristics
Extremely high wear tolerance and pest resistance; very drought hardy; excellent for stabilizing sandy slopes; poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides fair forage for livestock; used for erosion control; can be invasive in maintained turf of other species.