Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

Seashore Paspalum

Paspalum vaginatum

Dense, salt-tolerant turf grass with bright green blades. Creeping perennial grass; common name: seashore paspalum.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and wind
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to mild frost (down to 5°C); thrives in warm, humid coastal climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow linear bright green blades, 5–20 cm long with smooth margins
  • Flower: Spikelet clusters arranged in 2–3 slender racemes at stem tips
  • Stem: Creeping stolons and rhizomes that enable rapid lateral spread
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light monthly feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds to prevent excessive, weak growth

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 3 days, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to promote blade health
Pruning
  • Mow to a height of 1–2 cm for uniform lawn coverage
  • Trim overgrown stolons to control lateral spread and maintain desired boundaries
  • Rake and remove dead foliage in early spring to stimulate new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Coastal lawn grass, golf course turf, coastal erosion control