Bahiagrass
Paspalum notatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paspaleum
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Pensacola' is the most common variety, known for longer, narrower leaves and excellent cold tolerance compared to Argentine
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. Highly adaptable to the southern transition zone, exhibits good heat tolerance, but goes dormant and discolors with the first hard frost
About This Grass
Forms a somewhat coarse, low-growing turf with a sprawling growth habit. Unmowed grass can reach 12 to 30 inches due to its distinct, tall, Y-shaped seed heads featuring two (sometimes three) spike-like racemes. Color ranges from light to medium green, turning dormant and straw-colored under frost or prolonged drought
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (3 to 8 mm), flat to folded, with pointed tips and smooth, hairless margins except near the collar. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a tiny membrane with a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent
Root System
Extremely deep, tough, and extensive fibrous root system that provides exceptional drought avoidance and tolerance in poor sandy soils. Moderate thatch tendency and relatively fast establishment from seed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Argentina, Brazil); widely cultivated throughout the southeastern United States, tropical, and subtropical regions
Growth Habit
Aggressive low-growing grass spreading by both short, stout rhizomes and robust stolons, forming a relatively coarse, tough turf
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (poor shade tolerance). Moderate to high drought tolerance once established due to deep roots, but thrives with regular moisture. Prefers acidic, sandy soils but adapts to various well-drained soil types
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.0 to 3.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during the active growing season primarily due to the rapid appearance of tall, tough seed heads. Low to medium maintenance level with low fertilizer requirements
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance and rapid recovery once damaged, good resistance to most major turf diseases and insects, excellent performance on poor sandy soils, and strong erosion control capabilities on slopes and highways
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America widely used for pasture forage and roadside stabilization. Provides modest wildlife habitat and excellent soil binding properties, though it can behave as a persistent weed in finer manicured lawns