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.

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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 alternatives to Bahiagrass

Bahiagrass is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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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.
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.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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