Seashore Paspalum

(Paspalum vaginatum)

Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Paspalum vaginatum, commonly known as Seashore Paspalum, is a perennial grass that is highly salt-tolerant and native to coastal areas in the Americas, including beaches, estuaries, and saline environments. It is well-adapted to sandy and wet soils, often found in coastal dunes and intertidal zones where it plays a role in stabilizing soil and supporting wildlife. This grass typically forms dense mats with fine-textured, blue-green leaves and can spread rapidly through rhizomes and stolons.

Seashore Paspalum is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging coastal conditions, including high salinity, and is often used for erosion control. It is a popular choice for golf courses, sports fields, and lawns in coastal regions due to its fine texture and tolerance to close mowing. It requires full sun to part shade and can handle a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it does best with regular irrigation. This species can become invasive outside its native range, so it is essential to consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.7-1.6 feet
  • Width: 0.7-1.6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid, Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal areas in the Americas, including beaches, estuaries, saline environments, coastal dunes, and intertidal zones

Other Names

Common Names: Silt Grass , Biscuit Grass , Capim-Paturá , Grama-Rasteira , Saltwater Couch , Salt Couch , Sheathed Paspalum

Scientific Names: Paspalum vaginatum , Digitaria foliosa , Digitaria paspalodes subsp. longipes , Digitaria paspalodes var. longipes , Digitaria paspaloides var. longipes , Digitaria tristachya , Digitaria vaginata , Digitaria vaginata , Digitaria vaginata , Digitaria vaginata var. longipes

GBIF Accepted Name: