Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Paspalum notatum
Plant Common Name
Bahia Grass
General Description
Bahia grass is a perennial grass native to the subtropical regions of eastern South America and has naturalized in the southern and western United States. Bahia is used as forage and pasture for livestock and for lawns and turf. The leaves are coarse, medium green and grow from tight sheaths. Bahia plant emerge from stolons (above-ground lateral stems) and rhizomes (below-ground lateral stems) but both are very slow to spread giving Bahia a tufted, somewhat open habit. This habit may allow weeds to encroach upon the turf.
Grassy flowers are borne on conspicuous and abundant Y-shaped stalks held well above the foliage. The flowering stalks are produced through out the spring, summer and fall, are tough to mow and are considered unsightly by some. Fertile, tan seeds follow the flowers. Bahia may be planted from sod or seed. The seeds have hard coats and germination is improved if the seed are scarified. Seed may be purchased already scarified which means the seeds coast have been broken by abrasion or mild acid treatment. Bahia grass can escape cultivation and is considered an invasive weed in some locations.
Bahia is a very tough grass and grows best in deep, fertile, well drained soil, though it is tolerant of most soils including alkaline conditions. It requires full sun for good growth. Bahia grass, once established, is one of the most drought tolerant turfs grown. When water is in short supply, Bahia goes dormant and turns brown, but will green up and continue growth when water becomes available. Plant this grass in the spring or summer as it requires warm weather for root growth or seed germination. Bahia has poor cold tolerance and does not tolerate extended freezing temperatures. It has low fertility requirements and only requires occasional applications of fertilizer. Mow Bahia with a rotary mower between three and four inches high. Bahia lawns and pastures are very susceptible to mole cricket infestations. Use Bahia grass for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawns, parks and public spaces.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
4"-10" / 10.2cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Mat-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Green, Black
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Lawns and Turf
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
