Seashore paspalum

Growth Habit: Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous

Vernation: Folded

Leaf: Scattered hairs may be present on upper and lower surface

Ligule: Short, membranous

Auricles: Absent

Inflorescence: Panicle with 1 to many spike-like terminal, paired branches. Occasionally a third spike-like branch sometimes below the paired branches.

Description: Seashore paspalum is a warm-season turfgrass that spreads laterally by rhizomes and stolons and is very similar to bermudagrass in its appearance and performance. It is most commonly used in areas where salinity is a concern due to proximity to the coast or poor-quality ground water. Relative to bermudagrass, it has higher shade tolerance and less cold tolerance. As a result of its lack of cold tolerance, its use is typically confined to the southern most parts of the country, including south Texas. 

Strengths: Salinity tolerance, shade tolerance, and traffic tolerance.

Weaknesses: Cold tolerance and high disease potential 

Recommended Mowing Height: Home Lawns: 1-2 inches (Rotary mower); Golf and Athletic Turf: 0.75 to 1 inch (Reel mower); Putting Greens: ≤ 0.150 inches (Reel mower).

Recommended Mowing Frequency: Home Lawns: Weekly using a rotary mower; Golf and Athletic Turf: Daily to weekly using a rotary or reel mower; Putting Greens: Daily using a reel mower. 

Fertilization Requirements: 2 to 4 lbs N per 1,000 ft² per year. Single application rates should range from 0.5 to 1 lb of N per 1,000 ft² applied during the summer growing season.