Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a warm-season perennial grass often chosen for turf, pasture, and erosion control in the southeastern United States. Originally from South America, it is valued for its durability and tolerance of heat, drought, and poor, sandy soils, making it a low-maintenance option for large areas. It is easily identified by several distinct physical characteristics that set it apart from other lawn grasses.
The Blade and Leaf Structure
The blades of Bahia grass are immediately recognizable, exhibiting a light to medium green color that is often less vibrant than cultivated turf varieties. The leaves are relatively broad, typically measuring between ⅛ and ¼ inch wide, with a firm, stiff texture. They often have a folded appearance at the base before flattening out and tapering to a sharp point at the tip.
The blades are fibrous, which contributes to their durability but makes them difficult to cut cleanly with a dull mower. They are usually hairless, though some varieties may have sparse hairs near the leaf margin. The base of the leaves, where they emerge from the crown, can sometimes display a purplish hue.
Stolons and Root System
Bahia grass is a sod-forming perennial that spreads through seeds and underground structures. It develops short, stout, and scaly rhizomes (underground stems) that help the plant expand laterally at a slow pace. While it produces stolons (above-ground runners), these are generally short and do not spread aggressively like those found on grasses such as St. Augustine. The deep, extensive, and fibrous root system allows it to access moisture far below the surface, which is the mechanism behind its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soils.
Signature Seed Heads
The most definitive physical marker for Bahia grass is its prolific seed head, which rapidly appears on tall, wiry stems that rise significantly above the leaf canopy. These tough stalks can reach heights of 12 to 25 inches, making them a conspicuous feature that requires frequent mowing to keep the turf tidy. At the top of each stem, the inflorescence is formed by two spike-like racemes that attach at a single point, creating a distinctive ‘Y’ or ‘V’ shape. Along the edges of these spikes are tiny, paired, oval-shaped seeds, typically dark brown to black, which give the head a beaded appearance.
Overall Growth and Texture
When viewed collectively as a lawn, Bahia grass has an open, less dense growth habit compared to finer-bladed turf grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda. This open canopy means the soil surface is often visible between the individual grass clumps, leading it to be considered a low-quality lawn where a dense, carpet-like appearance is desired.
The collective texture of an established Bahia lawn is noticeably coarse and tough underfoot due to the stiff nature of the leaf blades and the persistent, woody stems of the seed heads. The combination of sparse coverage and constantly emerging seed stalks gives the established turf an overall “shaggy” or less manicured look.