Paspalum vaginatum, commonly referred to as seashore paspalum, is a resilient warm-season turfgrass known for its adaptability. This perennial grass spreads through both rhizomes and stolons, forming a dense turf. It grows to heights between 10 to 79 centimeters (3.9 to 31.1 inches) and is characterized by blue-green leaf blades that can be hairless or slightly hairy. This species is found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions worldwide, often inhabiting salt marshes and brackish areas.
Distinctive Qualities
Paspalum vaginatum exhibits exceptional tolerance to salinity, thriving in environments where other turfgrasses struggle. It can be irrigated with brackish or even seawater, making it a sustainable choice for areas with limited freshwater resources. This tolerance stems from its ability to manage salt at a cellular level, preventing ion-specific damage.
The grass adapts to diverse soil conditions, from compacted marsh soils to sandy and heavy clay, tolerating a pH range of 3.6 to 10.2. Once established, seashore paspalum demonstrates strong drought resistance due to its deep and extensive root system. It maintains an attractive appearance with a fine texture and a vibrant green color, even under challenging environmental conditions.
Planting and Cultivation
Paspalum vaginatum can be established through several methods, including sprigging, sodding, or hydroseeding, as seed viability can be low for many varieties. With sprigging, it is recommended to plant approximately 3 bushels of sprigs per 1,000 square feet during late spring or summer. If using seeds, the seeding rate is 0.75 to 1.25 lbs per 1,000 square feet for uncoated seeds, or 1 to 2 lbs per 1,000 square feet for Zeba-coated seeds.
Soil preparation involves tilling the ground to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. A soil pH above 6.0 is preferred for establishment. While mature seashore paspalum is highly salt-tolerant, initial watering during establishment should use fresh or low-salinity water, with a TDS less than 2000 ppm. Keeping the seedbed continually moist with light, frequent irrigations is important for the first 14 days after planting, especially when soil temperatures are between 80° to 95°F (27°-35°C).
Ongoing Care
Mowing frequency and height for Paspalum vaginatum depend on its intended use, ranging from very low cuts for putting greens (≤ 0.150 inches) to 1-2 inches for home lawns. It should be mowed 1-2 times per week during the growing season, ensuring no more than one-third of the blade height is removed at once. If cut too low, it may recover slowly.
Established seashore paspalum benefits from deep, infrequent irrigation, around 1 inch of water every week or two. Watering early in the morning can help minimize disease risk and reduce water loss due to evaporation. Although it tolerates drought, consistent deep watering encourages deeper root development, enhancing its resilience.
Seashore paspalum has lower nitrogen requirements compared to other turfgrasses like bermudagrass, needing 66% less nitrogen. An annual application rate of 2 to 4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is sufficient, applied in single applications of 0.5 to 1 lb during the summer growing season. Excessive nitrogen can lead to succulent growth, which increases susceptibility to scalping and disease. Monitoring for deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron is advisable in salt-affected environments.
When properly maintained, seashore paspalum experiences few insect and disease problems. However, it can be susceptible to pests such as mole crickets, sod webworms, and white grubs, and diseases like fusarium blight and Helminthosporium. Proper mowing heights, irrigation, and fertilization practices can minimize these issues. For weed control, pre-emergent herbicides like dinitroanilines can be applied in late winter, while post-emergent herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP are effective against broadleaf weeds during the growing season.
Typical Uses
Paspalum vaginatum is widely utilized in various landscapes. It is a preferred turfgrass for golf courses globally, especially for greens and tees, particularly in coastal regions or where brackish water irrigation is needed. Its ability to tolerate low mowing heights, combined with its fine texture and vibrant green color, creates an aesthetically pleasing and durable playing surface.
The grass is increasingly used for sports fields, including soccer, American football, and baseball, because of its density, strength, and rapid recovery. Its resilience under heavy foot traffic makes it suitable for recreational areas. In residential settings, seashore paspalum is a popular choice for lawns in coastal or saline-prone areas, offering a low-maintenance, attractive turf solution. It finds application in erosion control, wetland restoration, and site reclamation as it can stabilize soil and tolerate saline conditions.