How to Grow Common Paspalum
Common Paspalum
Paspalum notatum
grassCommon paspalum is a warm-season perennial grass native to South America, widely used for pasture, hay, and erosion control. It forms dense, attractive turf and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. Known for its ability to thrive in poor soils and low-maintenance characteristics.
When should you plant Common Paspalum in your zone?
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Example Common Paspalum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Common Paspalum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Common Paspalum
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Common Paspalum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best suited to warm climates, zones 7-11; tolerates as low as zone 6b with winter dormancy
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Get my Common Paspalum timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
7-14 daysSmall grass shoots emerge with shallow root development and minimal leaf tissue visible
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; protect from foot traffic; provide full sun for vigorous growth
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop 2-4 leaf blades and begin root expansion; tiller initiation begins
Maintain moderate moisture; avoid heavy grazing or mowing; suppress competing weeds mechanically or chemically
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeksDense shoot development with increasing tiller production; grass reaches 6-12 inches in height with extensive rhizomatous growth
Mow or graze to 3-4 inches to encourage density; reduce irrigation as drought tolerance develops; light nitrogen fertilization promotes vigor
Flowering
4-8 weeksSeed heads emerge on characteristic two-pronged inflorescences (digitate panicles); reproductive phase begins
Allow flowering for seed production if desired; delay mowing if harvesting seed; flowering occurs mid to late summer in warm regions
Dormancy (Cold Climates)
4-6 months (winter)In zones 7-8, grass turns tan or brown as temperatures drop; above-ground biomass senesces while roots remain dormant underground
Stop fertilizing by mid-summer to encourage dormancy hardiness; light spring cleanup of thatch in early spring; perennates via rhizomes
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for defoliation; use insecticidal sprays if populations exceed economic threshold; natural predators usually provide control
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Increase irrigation to stress susceptibility; apply pyrethroid insecticides in spring if damaging levels detected
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Rarely economically significant; horticultural oil sprays in early spring if severe; maintain vigor through proper management
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Usually managed by natural predators; insecticides only if populations are exceptionally high
Uses
Livestock Forage & Pasture
CulinaryCommon paspalum is an excellent warm-season pasture grass for cattle, horses, and sheep, providing reliable forage with moderate to good nutritional quality. Produces 3-4 tons of dry matter per acre annually in favorable conditions. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdThe dense root system and rapid establishment make it ideal for stabilizing slopes, stream banks, and erosion-prone areas. Often used in restoration projects and conservation efforts. [source]
Low-Maintenance Turf
HouseholdUsed in warm climates as a durable, drought-tolerant lawn or recreational turf that requires minimal fertilization and pest management compared to conventional turfgrasses. [source]
Native Habitat Restoration
WildlifeSupports native fauna in South American and subtropical ecosystems; provides cover and forage for grassland birds and small mammals. [source]
Forage Quality & Livestock Health
MedicinalContains adequate protein and minerals for grazing livestock; historical use in traditional cattle ranching systems demonstrates long-term nutritional adequacy. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For hay, harvest at boot to early head stage for maximum nutritional quality (55-60% digestibility); typically achievable 2-3 times per growing season in warm climates. For grazing, maintain at 3-4 inches height; rotational grazing maximizes productivity. For seed, allow full flowering and dry-down; collect seed heads when fully mature and tan-colored (typically late summer). Seed harvest is labor-intensive but viable for small-scale production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Common paspalum is one of the few grasses that thrives in both very poor soils and waterlogged conditions, making it invaluable in challenging agricultural environments.
- 🌱 Its distinctive two-pronged seed head structure (digitate panicles) is highly recognizable and gives the grass its characteristic appearance during flowering season.
- 🌱 Paspalum notatum was naturalized throughout the southern United States by the early 1900s and is now considered a key forage species for sustainable cattle ranching in the Deep South and Southeast.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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