How much sun does Bahiagrass need?

Bahiagrass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bahiagrass bloom?

Bahiagrass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Bahiagrass native?

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is native to AL, AR, FL, IL and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Bahiagrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bahiagrass as toxic to livestock.

Is Bahiagrass HOA-friendly?

Bahiagrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bahiagrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paspalum notatum

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bahiagrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, IL and 9 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Bahiagrass is a warm-season perennial grass that forms dense, low-growing mats through underground rhizomes. It produces distinctive Y-shaped seed heads throughout the growing season and maintains green color in mild winters. This drought-tolerant grass is commonly used for pastures and low-maintenance lawns in the southeastern United States.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bahiagrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Tall seed stalks can appear weedy
May look patchy or dormant in winter

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for birds and small mammals. As a grass species, it offers limited nectar resources but can serve as host material for some native insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Bahiagrass need?: Bahiagrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bahiagrass bloom?: Bahiagrass blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Bahiagrass native?: Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is native to AL, AR, FL, IL and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bahiagrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bahiagrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Bahiagrass HOA-friendly?: Bahiagrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bahiagrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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