Bahiagrass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Erosion Control, Low-maintenance Lawn
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. Excellent heat tolerance, but susceptible to winter dormancy and discoloration in colder zones.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Variety / Cultivar
Argentine or Pensacola (common utility cultivars known for deep roots and persistence)
About This Grass
Forms a tough, coarse-textured, open turf with characteristic V-shaped seed heads consisting of two (sometimes three) racemes resembling a Y-shape. Height can reach 24 to 30 inches when flowering, but maintained lower in turf settings. Color ranges from light green to medium green.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm wide), flat or folded, with pointed tips. Hairless except for margins near the base. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Membranous ligule and no auricles.
Root System
Extremely deep, tough, and extensive fibrous root system with thick rhizomes. Excellent for preventing erosion and enduring prolonged drought, though establishment from seed can be slow.
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 rhizomatous, spreading aggressively via stout, scaly rhizomes and low-growing above-ground runners.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. High drought tolerance due to deep roots. Performs well on poor, sandy, acidic soils with moderate to high rainfall.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.0 to 3.0 inches. Low maintenance requirements, but produces unsightly tall seed heads frequently during summer requiring frequent mowing if kept as a manicured lawn. Low fertilizer needs.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, strong disease and pest resistance (resistant to mole crickets compared to other warm-season grasses), poor shade tolerance, excellent erosion control on slopes and sandy soils.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good forage for livestock and wildlife habitat/cover. Can become weedy in fine turf areas due to its aggressive growth and persistent tough seed stems.