Contents
Description
Paspalum Vaginatum, also known as seashore paspalum, is a warm-season turfgrass that is commonly found in coastal areas. It is a salt-tolerant grass that can grow in both fresh and saltwater environments. It is a popular choice for golf courses, sports fields, and lawns due to its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Paspalum |
Appearance
Paspalum Vaginatum has a fine-textured, dark green leaf blade that is soft to the touch. It has a low-growing habit and can reach a height of 1 to 2 feet. The seedhead is a panicle that can grow up to 2 feet in length. The grass can spread through above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes.
Care Guide
Water: Paspalum Vaginatum requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It is important to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization: It is recommended to fertilize Paspalum Vaginatum with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall. Avoid fertilizing during the summer months.
Soil: Paspalum Vaginatum prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate sandy and clay soils.
Sunlight: Paspalum Vaginatum requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but may become thin and spotty in areas with limited sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: Paspalum Vaginatum is hardy in zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pests: Common pests that can affect Paspalum Vaginatum include armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Regular monitoring and the use of insecticides can help control pest populations.
Diseases: Paspalum Vaginatum is susceptible to several diseases, including dollar spot, brown patch, and Pythium blight. Proper cultural practices, such as avoiding overwatering and promoting good soil drainage, can help prevent disease outbreaks.
Habitat
Paspalum Vaginatum is native to coastal areas of North and South America. It can be found in salt marshes, tidal flats, and other wetland environments. It is also commonly cultivated as a turfgrass in coastal regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Paspalum Vaginatum tolerate saltwater environments?
A: Yes, Paspalum Vaginatum is a salt-tolerant grass that can grow in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Paspalum Vaginatum?
A: It is recommended to fertilize Paspalum Vaginatum with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall. Avoid fertilizing during the summer months.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect Paspalum Vaginatum?
A: Common pests that can affect Paspalum Vaginatum include armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Paspalum Vaginatum?
A: Paspalum Vaginatum is hardy in zones 8 to 11.
Related Plants
- Paspalum Distichum
- Paspalum Notatum
- Paspalum Urvillei
- Paspalum Dilatatum
References
- “Seashore Paspalum.” University of Florida Extension, 2021, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh011.
- “Paspalum Vaginatum.” TurfFiles, 2021, turf.psu.edu/turfgrass-species/seashore-paspalum.
- “Seashore Paspalum.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 2021, forages.tamu.edu/turfgrass-species/seashore-paspalum/.
