Grasses & Sedges

Paspalum notatum

Bahia Grass

Poaceae
Subtropical South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay)

At a Glance

TypeGrass
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-30 inches (20-75 cm)
WidthIndefinite (rhizomatous)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 10
Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Paspalum notatum is a warm-season, rhizomatous perennial grass in the Poaceae family, reaching 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall in mowed turf and up to 30 inches (75 cm) unmowed. The species forms dense, tough sod via short, stout rhizomes. Leaf blades are flat, 0.15-0.3 inch (4-8 mm) wide, medium green, with a characteristic fold along the midrib. The inflorescence consists of 2-3 (typically 2) spike-like racemes in a V or Y shape at the top of a slender seed stalk 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) above the canopy. Seeds are produced apomictically in most cultivars. The species is adapted to sandy, acidic, infertile soils of the Gulf Coast and southeastern US. Plants need less fertiliser, water, and pesticide than most turfgrasses — 1-2 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (50-100 g/m²) per year. The deep root system extends 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) in sandy soil. Foliage browns below 28°F (-2°C); rhizome damage occurs below 15°F (-9°C). The species is not suited to the Pacific Northwest. Susceptible to mole crickets and dollar spot.

Native Range

Paspalum notatum is native to subtropical South America — Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The species was introduced to the southeastern US in 1913 by the USDA for pasture use.

Suggested Uses

Low-maintenance lawn grass for the Gulf Coast and southeastern US (zones 8-10) on sandy, acidic soils. Used on highway roadsides, airports, and residential lawns. Also used for pasture and erosion control. Not suited to the Pacific Northwest.

How to Identify

Identified by the V-shaped or Y-shaped inflorescence of 2 spike-like racemes on a tall stalk, medium-textured folded leaves, and tough rhizomatous sod. Separated from bermudagrass by coarser texture and the diagnostic Y-shaped seed head. Separated from St. Augustinegrass by narrower leaves and rhizomatous (not stoloniferous) habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
brown

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
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SummerFall
Seed stalks emerge continuously from late spring through early autumn. V-shaped racemes rise 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) above mowed canopy and re-emerge 3-5 days after mowing. Seeds mature 2-3 weeks after emergence.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Green to brown

Foliage Description

Medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
sandloam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 months from seed

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Seed is sown at 5-10 pounds per 1,000 square feet (240-490 g/m²) in spring when soil reaches 65°F (18°C). Mowing height is 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) every 7-10 days. Fertilising is 1-2 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year in 2-3 split applications April-August. Watering is needed only during extended drought. Beneficial nematodes manage mole cricket pressure. Adapted to USDA zones 8-10 only.

Pruning

Mowing is at 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) every 7-10 days. De-thatching every 2-3 years addresses thatch exceeding 0.5 inch (12 mm).

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic