Bahiagrass Paspalum notatum

Bahiagrass is a subtropical perennial in the grass family (Poaceae) and is native to South America. It was introduced into the U.S. in Florida as a forage grass around 1913. The genus name is derived from the Greek paspalos, meaning millet, and the species epithet is Latin for "marked."

Bahiagrass has a mat-forming habit with a light green color, coarse texture, and open canopy. It is mostly used as forage for grazing animals and as erosion control in roadsides and other difficult areas. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to establish by seed with fewer disease and insect problems than other warm-season grasses. It is not recommended as a turfgrass due to the tall seed heads, difficulty in mowing, and open canopy.

The grass spreads by shallow rhizomes and roots from nodes. The grass grows to about 1 foot tall if not mowed. The inflorescence grows up to 2 feet tall and consists of a Y-shaped seed head with many small spikelets.

Bahiagrass prefers a pH lower than 6.5, sandy loam soil, and full sun. It tolerates low-nutrient soils and drought.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Often considered a weed in turfgrass.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common southern lawn diseases.