The warm-season grass commonly known as Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is ubiquitous across Florida, but it is not native to the state. This perennial grass, known for its resilience, was intentionally introduced and has since become a dominant fixture in the landscape.
Geographical Origin and Historical Introduction
The native range of Bahia grass is the subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where it naturally occurs in grassland ecosystems. The species was first deliberately introduced into the United States in the early 20th century, specifically arriving in Florida around 1913 or 1914. This introduction was managed by agricultural agencies, such as the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.
The initial purpose was to find a hardy forage crop and a reliable plant for erosion control on the sandy soils of the southeastern U.S. Over the following decades, various cultivars were introduced, including ‘Pensacola’ in the late 1930s and ‘Argentine’ in 1944. The ‘Pensacola’ variety, in particular, was discovered growing near Pensacola’s docks and is now the most widely grown type in the country.
Defining Non-Native and Naturalized Status
Bahia grass is classified as a non-native species because it did not evolve naturally within Florida’s ecosystems. The term non-native means the species was brought to a new region by human activity. In Florida, Bahia grass has become widely “naturalized,” meaning it can reproduce successfully and maintain stable populations without human intervention.
A naturalized species differs from an invasive species, which causes economic or environmental harm by aggressively displacing native flora. While Bahia grass is aggressive in managed landscapes, it is generally not classified as highly invasive. Its spread is primarily contained to disturbed areas like pastures, roadsides, and utility sites, rather than rapidly colonizing undisturbed natural habitats.
Practical Applications in Florida Landscapes
Bahia grass is common in Florida due to favorable agronomic characteristics that align with the state’s challenging climate and soil conditions. It possesses an extensive, deep root system, which makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant, often surpassing other common lawn grasses. This deep rooting allows the grass to persist through extended dry periods by going dormant until moisture returns, making it a sustainable choice in areas with water restrictions.
The grass thrives in the infertile, acidic, sandy soils that cover much of the state, requiring significantly lower inputs of fertilizer and water compared to other turfgrasses. Because of its low-maintenance requirements, it is the dominant forage grass used in Florida pastures and is highly valued for large-scale turf areas like highway rights-of-way and large residential lots.