Paspalum notatum Flüggé

Bahia Grass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Bahia Grass is an introduced herbaceous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It is native to the Caribbean and from Mexico south to Brazil and Argentina. In Alabama it is found statewide. Bahia Grass occurs in lawns, in pastures, on roadsides, and in disturbed areas. It is a perennial from a rhizome. The culms are erect, glabrous, and 1-3 feet in height. The leaves are alternate, linear in outline, flat or conduplicate (folded lengthwise with the upper surface within), glabrous or pubescent, and with entire margins. Flowers are produced in terminal panicles of 2-3 erect digitate branches. The solitary spikelets are flat on one side and convex on the other, elliptic to ovate in outline, glabrous, and greenish-brown in color. The fruit is a grain. Bahia Grass is frequently planted for pastures, hay production, and for erosion control. Several cultivars are available. It was once widely used for lawns in the southeastern United States. It is easily established from seed, which is commonly available and inexpensive. It has few disease or insect problems and grows well on nutrient-poor sandy soils without irrigation. It does not however form a thick carpet, and requires frequent mowing.—A. Diamond.

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Not Native FACU+ (NWPL)

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