Paspalum grass, primarily Paspalum vaginatum and often called seashore paspalum, is a perennial, warm-season turfgrass valued for its performance in challenging environments. It is classified as a C4 grass, meaning it thrives in hot climates using an efficient photosynthetic pathway. Native to tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, including coastal zones and brackish marshes, its habitat near the ocean has equipped it with traits that distinguish it from most other turf varieties.
Unique Environmental Adaptations
The defining characteristic of Paspalum is its exceptional tolerance for salinity, allowing it to thrive where common turf species like Bermuda or Zoysia would fail. Considered a halophyte, it can be irrigated with reclaimed water, effluent, or even seawater. It manages salt by regulating uptake at the root level and sequestering excess salt into its leaf blades, which are removed during mowing.
The salt-processing mechanism provides an advantage for sites with high-sodium soil or limited freshwater irrigation. Paspalum also tolerates low-light conditions, performing better than many other warm-season grasses in partial shade. This makes it a preferred choice for stadiums or areas with persistent cloud coverage.
The grass is highly adaptable to poor drainage and waterlogged soils, reflecting its origins in marshy, coastal areas. Its extensive root system, which can grow up to two meters deep, helps it withstand drought once established. The fine texture, dense growth habit, and deep green color contribute to a uniform turf, maintained by the aggressive lateral spread of both rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (above-ground runners).
Specific Varieties and Their Applications
The development of specific cultivated varieties, or cultivars, has broadened Paspalum’s application from coastal uses to high-end turf markets globally. Varieties like ‘Platinum TE’ and ‘Aloha Seashore’ are examples of improved selections chosen for aesthetic and performance qualities. These cultivars offer finer leaf textures and improved color retention compared to older types.
The durability and appearance of these specialized varieties make Paspalum a preferred playing surface for professional sports venues. It is widely used on golf courses for tees, fairways, and putting greens because it can be mowed at very low heights while maintaining density. Its superior wear tolerance and quick recovery rate also make it suitable for high-traffic athletic fields.
Coastal residential areas and resorts frequently utilize Paspalum because it survives the salt spray and saline groundwater common to beachfront properties. Utilizing non-potable water sources for irrigation provides a sustainable solution in water-scarce regions. It is also used in environmental reclamation projects for soil stabilization and erosion control in sandy or sodic coastal areas.
Establishment and Long-Term Care
Paspalum is primarily established using vegetative methods, such as sod, sprigs, or plugs, because the seeds of turf-type cultivars are often not viable. When planting, fresh or low-salinity water must be used for the first two to four weeks, as high salt levels (above 5,000 parts per million) can slow establishment. A starter fertilizer with a balanced ratio, such as 1-1-2 or 1-2-3, should be applied immediately after planting to encourage root growth.
For established turf, a deep and infrequent watering schedule is best, aiming for 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week, depending on the climate. While the grass tolerates saline water, periodic flushing of the soil with freshwater is recommended to prevent salt accumulation in the root zone. Mowing height is flexible, ranging from a fraction of an inch for greens to two inches for a home lawn, but it must be mowed frequently during the growing season.
Paspalum has significantly lower nitrogen requirements than Bermuda grass, needing only two to three pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and increased disease susceptibility. Common fungal diseases like dollar spot and large patch can affect the grass, though proper management reduces their occurrence. Pests such as sod webworms and hunting billbugs may also be concerns that require targeted treatment.