Paspalum notatum

common bahiagrass, bahia grass, bahiagrass
Family

Poaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Attachment

sheathing

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

linear

Growth Form

graminoid

Flower Color

inconspicuous

Flower Month

April - November

Height (meters)

0.3 - 0.9

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

introduced, native

Lifespan

perennial

Growing Season

Warm season


Wetland Class

FACU

Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

-2

Cultural Information

Commercial seeds have a germination rate of 70%, there are 166,000-288,000 seed/lbs, and the planting rate is 10-15 lbs/acre (USDA 1948).

Animal Use

The following information is for the genus Paspalum with note that P. ciliatifolium and P. boscianum are used most extensively. (Neither are found this database). Animals that eat the plant and its seeds: Mottled duck, Green-winged teal, Canada goose. Bahia is a good producer of palatable forage, resistant to grazing pressure, and has few disease or insect problems.

Natural History

Bahia grass is cross-fertilized with some types apomictic (USDA 1948).

Habitat

Roadsides, pastures, and waste places.

Plant Uses

Widely planted in on the Gulf Coast as an improved forage. Moderately palatable to grazing animals.