Apart from the known landscaping uses, the also play an important role in agriculture and the stability of numerous ecosystems. 

That said, distinguishing between the grasses can prove difficult for landscapers and farmers looking to plant or eradicate them.

In this post, we’ll explore different tropical grasses, their common names, distinct physical features, and pictures to help you learn more about them and for easier identification. 

1. Carpet Grass (Axonopus Compressus)

• Scientific Name: Axonopus Compressus
• English Name: Blanket Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Carpet Grass is a perennial stoloniferous grass that can reach 15 cm in height. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and wet to acidic soils. 

The leaves are opposite, oblong, smooth on both surfaces, and about 4-15cm long. Its unique stem culms are shallow-rooted and grow close to the ground, giving it a lush mat-formation.

This native American grass is commonly used as pasture or turf grass for its grazing tolerance and low-maintenance needs. 

2. Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

• Scientific Name: Pennisetum purpureum
• English Name: Napier Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Pennisetum purpureum is a vigorous grass that achieves an impressive height of 3-5m. It has broad, flat, and long leaves measuring 2 meters, robust stems that are covered with fine hairs, and well-developed roots.

Elephant Grass, also called Napier Grass, is one of the most versatile and high-yielding tropical grasses. It thrives in a variety of extreme conditions, including dry and wet environments, which can also make it an invasive weed in many ecosystems. 

Elephant grass is mainly grown for livestock feed, especially in cut-and-carry systems, due to its high biomass yield, for erosion control, and biofuel production.

3. Buffalo Grass (Paspalum conjugatum)

• Scientific Name: Paspalum conjugatum
• English Name: Carabao Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Buffalo Grass is a tropical perennial grass that is native to tropical and subtropical Americas. It produces short culms about 60 cm high, short and soft-textured leaves with a distinct midrib.

Buffalo Grass reproduces by seeds and vegetative means, making it a high-yielding turf. It can tolerate waterlogging and shade, and is commonly found in pastures, open areas, vineyards, irrigation channels, and forest clearings. 

The grass is popular in landscaping due to its high mowing and traffic tolerance. It is also grown for fodder in cut-and-carry systems, as ground cover in shaded areas, and for weed control. 

4. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)

• Scientific Name: Cynodon dactylon
• English Name: Couch Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Bermuda Grass is a rapidly growing tropical grass that springs up in the warmer seasons. The African native grass has unique green to dark-green, bladelike leaves that can grow up to 5 cm long. 

You can also recognize its flattened, purplish, slightly hairy stems and deep rhizomes that typically penetrate 40-50 cm into the soil. It thrives in full sun, is drought-tolerant, and can also withstand high traffic. 

For these reasons, it is a popular turf grass in residential areas, golf courses, and gardens. It is also used in soil erosion control and as feed for livestock. 

5. Kikuyu Grass (Cenchrus clandestinus)

• Scientific Name: Cenchrus clandestinus
• English Name: Kikuyu Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Kikuyu Grass, previously classified as Pennisetum clandestinum, is a perennial tropical grass native to East Africa, and can be identified by its flattened, coarsely-textured leaves, heavily branched stolons, and dense foliage.

It thrives in sunny and warm climates and rapidly grows through rhizomes and stolons. Kikuyu Grass is a valuable pasture grass due to its high grazing tolerance and is a common turfgrass for residential lawns and golf courses.

However, it is also an invasive weed in many regions globally, especially because of its high seed dormancy and rapid growth. It can climb, shade, or release toxins that inhibit the growth of other plant species.

6. Para Grass (Urochloa mutica)

• Scientific Name: Urochloa mutica 
• English Name: Scotch Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Para Grass is a creeping, fast-growing, semi-aquatic perennial grass that grows 2-5m tall. It is native to parts of the Middle East and Central Africa. 

The leaf blades are broad, sparsely or densely haired, and about 30 cm long. Stems are hairy and semi-prostrate and have distinct swollen nodes as well as green to purplish glumes. 

Scotch Grass mainly propagates by creeping stems that produce shoots and roots, spreading several meters along the ground. 

It is commonly grown as fodder for livestock, for soil erosion control, land reclamation, and as an ornamental grass for its lush appearance. 

7. Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)

• Scientific Name: Cenchrus ciliaris
• English Name: Foxtail Buffalo Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Buffel Grass is a tussock-forming, perennial grass, native to tropical Africa, the Mediterranean, and Southern Asia. It produces erect or decumbent culms that can reach up to 2m tall. The leaves are linear, bluish-green, about 3-30 cm long. 

C. ciliaris also bears spike-like panicles 2-14 cm long, comprising spikelets surrounded by hairy bristles. It thrives in arid and semi-arid areas and will commonly be located in grasslands and open areas.

Buffel Grass is a highly valued pasture and forage grass in the tropics. It is also used for land reclamation and soil erosion control. 

Due to its deep root system (a rootstock that can penetrate 2m in the soil), the grass can spread extensively and outcompete native grasses. It has been declared a noxious weed in countries like Australia, the USA, and Mexico. 

8. Signal Grass (Brachiaria decumbens)

• Scientific Name: Brachiaria decumbens or Urochloa decumbens
• English Name: Signal Grass/Kenya Sheep Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Signal Grass is a perennial tropical grass native to the Eastern and Central African highlands. It can be decumbent or erect, growing up to 60cm tall. 

The leaves are short, soft, and bright green, with bent tips. Stems give rise to rhizomes and stolons, which can root down as deep as 2m in the deep soil. It thrives in all soil types except heavy clay soils and can tolerate shade. 

The grass is mainly grown as a permanent pasture for beef grazing or fodder in cut-and-carry systems due to its high palatability and heavy grazing tolerance. Additionally, Signal Grass can also be used in soil erosion control efforts and weed suppression. 

9. Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus)

9. Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus)

• Scientific Name: Megathyrsus maximus
• English Name: Guinea Grass/Tanganyika Grass
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial 
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Guinea Grass is a large tufted grass that can grow between 50 and 350 cm tall, depending on the prevailing conditions. It is native to tropical Africa and Yemen. 

M. maximus produces blade-shaped leaves that can be up to 100 cm long, cylindrical, erect culms, a panicle 15-50 cm long with green to purple spikelets, and a short creeping rootstock.

The fast-growing grass is mainly grown for pasture, silage, and hay and is also used for soil erosion control. 

Due to its rapid growth and space uptake, it can become weedy in some regions, outcompeting native plant species in grasslands and woodlands. It is also considered a fire hazard in wildfire-prone areas globally.

10. BahiaGrass (Paspalum notatum)

• Scientific Name: Paspalum notatum
• English Name: Bahiagrass/Common Bahia
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, Sedge, or Broadleaf: Grass

Bahiagrass is a perennial warm-season grass, native to Mexico and South America. You can identify it by its flat, light-green, coarse-textured foliage and V-shaped inflorescence, comprising two racemes. 

It also produces low-growing stolons that are pressed to the ground and root at the internodes, forming dense mats. The stems can grow between 20 and 70 cm tall.

P. notatum thrives in sandy loam soils and full sun but can tolerate shade, saline conditions, and drought. It is primarily established as forage for grazing animals and soil erosion control.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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Known for its aggressive growth and resilience, Bermuda grass can quickly take over fescue, bluegrass, or other cool-season lawns if left unchecked.

If you’re dealing with an invasion of Bermuda grass, don’t worry. There are several effective methods to remove it and ensure it doesn’t return. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you regain control of your lawn.

Why Is Bermuda Grass So Hard to Eliminate?

Bermuda grass spreads through seeds, stolons (above-ground runners), and rhizomes (underground stems), making it incredibly persistent. Even if you kill what’s on the surface, underground runners can begin new growth. 

Also, since the weed has invaded your lawn, herbicides like Roundup may not be the best option as they may kill the turf.  

Therefore, keep in mind that effective removal requires patience and persistence.

Ways to Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in Your Lawn

Let’s explore the expert-recommended ways to kill the pesky Bermuda grass completely.

1. Manual Removal 

If the infestation is small or isolated, digging up the grass can provide effective control. Some experts recommend mowing the grass first to better identify all the affected areas.

Once you’re done, follow these steps:

• Water the area a day before digging to loosen the soil and make root removal easier.
• Use a shovel to dig at least 6 inches deep to remove all rhizomes and roots.
• Place the grass in a bag immediately and dispose of it carefully.
• Since you can’t reach the buried seeds, check for regrowth weekly and remove any new shoots.
  

Remove all fragments and dispose of them correctly because the grass can resprout even from one rhizome. 

2. Apply A Selective Herbicide

Selective herbicides like fenoxaprop and triclopyr will suppress the Bermuda grass if applied repeatedly. The repeat herbicide treatments allow the desired grass to grow vigorously and outcompete the weeds.

However, herbicides have no effect on the underground seeds or rhizome network. 

Here are the steps:

• Mow the lawn to 1-2 inches.
• Apply the herbicide on the affected areas.
• Wait for 7 days before mowing.
• Repeat the process until the grass is eradicated.

For areas where you suspect the bermuda grass seeds may be present, use solarization to eliminate them. 

Follow this procedure:

• Lay down a UV-stabilized clear plastic over the area.
• Seal edges of plastic with soil or weights to trap heat.
• Leave in place for 4–6 weeks during peak summer.
• Remove the plastic, allow soil to air out for a few days.
• Reseed or replant with your desirable grass, using mulch or pre-emergent herbicide to prevent re-infestation.
  

For total eradication, repeat this cycle at least for two seasons (spring and summer) if the Bermuda grass has a strong root system or keeps returning.

3. Maintain Tall Fescue Grass

Controlling Bermuda grass through cultural control is almost possible. However, If you’re growing fescue as your preferred turf, raising it to a mowing height of 4 inches can effectively kill the unwanted grass weeds. 

Bermuda grass does not tolerate low light and will be crowded out by the quick-growing tall fescue. This method can also work for other cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.

4. Lawn Renovation

Sometimes, the Bermuda grass infestation could be severe and the turf is not salvagable. In this case, you may have to consider removing the entire grass on your lawn and renovating it.  

Here are the steps to follow:

• Apply a non-selective herbicide like Roundup to kill all vegetation.
• Irrigate the area to encourage new growth.
• Wait 1–3 weeks and reapply the treatment.
• Remove all dead plant matter and till the soil.
• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide if not reseeding right away.
• Reseed or lay new sod with your desired grass type.
• Follow up with frequent monitoring.

This will get rid of the Bermuda grass and give you a new healthy lawn.

Conclusion 

Getting rid of Bermuda grass isn’t a one-time job, it’s a process that requires consistent effort. However, with the right combination of removal techniques, you can restore your lawn and keep it looking its best.

Whether you’re digging it out regularly or treating it with a herbicide, the key is persistence. Stay vigilant, and you’ll win the battle against Bermuda grass.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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The post How to Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in Your Lawn appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Choosing the right southern grass variety is essential for maintaining a lush, green lawn or turf year-round. 

This article explores the most popular southern grass types in detail, their environmental adaptability, ideal use cases, and maintenance needs.

1.  Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)

Best for: Residential and commercial lawns, golf courses, and athletics fields

Bermuda grass is one of the most popular grass types in the South, known for its fine texture, dark green color, and aggressive growth habits. It spreads quickly via rhizomes and stolons, creating a dense and durable turf.

This grass has high wear resistance but it also demands frequent maintenance. It requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily), frequent dethatching, mowing, and fertilizing, especially during its peak growing season. 

Bermudagrass is not shade-tolerant which means it goes dormant and turns brown in winter. It’s a popular grass for residential and commercial lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields.

2. Zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.)

Best for: Residential lawns, golf courses, and recreational parks

Zoysia grass is a slow-growing, dense grass that provides a lush, carpet-like appearance. It’s more shade-tolerant than Bermudagrass and has excellent drought resistance once established.

To keep it healthy, fertilize moderately and mow it to a height of 1.5–2.5 inches. The dense growth chokes out weeds, but it may also occasionally require dethatching. 

Zoysia retains its color longer into the cool season and also tolerates moderate foot traffic, making it a favorite turf for residential lawns, golf courses, and recreational parks.

However, it is slower to repair damage and has a slower spring green-up than other grasses.

3. St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

Best for: Shaded residential and commercial lawns and coastal golf courses, depending on the variety.

St. Augustine grass is coarse-textured, popular for its rich green color and shade tolerance. It has good salt tolerance, making it a common turf in Florida and other Gulf Coast states.

The grass requires moderate maintenance, including mowing and fertilization. With proper care, it produces a thick turf that outcompetes other weed growth.

The lush green provides a tropical look and is often found in commercial and residential lawns and coastal golf courses.

One downside of St. Augustine Grass is that it’s susceptible to chinch bugs and fungal diseases.

4. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum)

Best for: Residential lawns and roadside and highway shoulders

Where durability comes secondary to aesthetics, most turf managers prefer Bahiagrass. It is a tough, coarse-textured grass with excellent drought resistance.

Bahiagrass can grow in poor soils, including sandy soil, and only requires minimal maintenance. Due to its durability, it’s best suited for utility areas and rural properties.

5. Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)

Best for: Residential lawns, vacation homes, and rental properties

Centipede grass is another slow-growing grass for homeowners who prefer simplicity over high-maintenance turf. It has a coarse texture and a light green color, making it a popular grass for areas where appearance matters but heavy foot traffic is moderate.

Nicknamed the “lazy man’s grass,” Centipedegrass is a low-maintenance turf that only needs minimal watering and fertilizer to thrive. 

It is commonly used in residential lawns (especially in the Deep South with acidic soils), vacation homes, and rental properties. Centipedegrass can also be grown on commercial lawns where heavy foot traffic is rare.

6. Carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis)

Best for: Shady and low-traffic residential lawns

Carpetgrass is a warm-season turf that thrives in moist, poorly drained soils. It has a coarse texture and lighter green color, often used in shaded, low-traffic areas. Carpetgrass is a lesser-known warm-season option that thrives in wet, low-lying areas. 

It’s not as drought tolerant as other southern grass varieties but has moderate maintenance requirements. Infrequent fertilizer and mowing, regular watering, and moderate overseeding in patchy spots are all it needs to thrive. 

The grass is used in low-traffic residential lawns, shady or wet lawns with poor drainage, and under trees or slopes where water tends to collect.

7. Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum)

Best for: Luxury residential or commercial lawns in coastal zones, resorts, and coastal golf courses

Seashore paspalum is a premium grass variety with a fine texture and deep green color that gives a lush, manicured appearance.

As its name indicates, it grows well in sandy soils and has high salt tolerance, making it a top choice for coastal properties. It does not tolerate drought, freezing, or shade.

This grass variety has high maintenance needs including abundant watering and regular fertilizing to maintain its optimal look. 

Seashore Paspalum is commonly used in luxury coastal resorts, residential and commercial properties near the coast, and golf courses. 

Each of the southern grass varieties has its strengths and ideal use case. Whether you’re managing a golf course, designing a residential landscape, or planning for commercial aesthetics, ensure that you match the grass variety with the right environment to enjoy a thriving long-lasting, healthy turf.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

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The post Southern Grass Varieties With Pictures appeared first on InsightWeeds.

It thrives in warm regions and is commonly used in golf courses and athletic fields due to its durability and rapid recovery from intense foot traffic.

Cynodon dactylon is common in disturbed areas such as roadsides, trampled areas, gardens, overgrazed areas, localities with high levels of nitrogen, and riparian areas.

Scientific Classification

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
• Phylum: Spermatophyta
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Subclass: Commelinidae
• Order: Cyperales
• Family: Poaceae Barnhart
• Genus: Cynodon Rich
• Species: Cynodon dactylon 
• Common Names: Bermuda grass, Bahamas grass, couch grass, star grass, devil grass, quick grass, dog’s tooth grass.

Nativity and Distribution

Bermuda grass is native to Africa. The plant is also found in the following areas:

• Asia
• North, Central, and South America
• Islands in the Pacific Ocean
• Caribbean
• Australia

Physical Appearance

• Leaves: Green to dark green leaves that grow up to 2 inches in length.
• Fruit: Small, dry fruit.
• Stems: Have a slightly hair-like appearance.
• Flowers: Pink to purple in color.
• Roots: Fibrous root system.

Cynodon dactylon has slender leaves with a fine to medium texture. Its leaf sheaths are cylindrical and smooth, while the leaf blades are flat and pointed.

The leaves are rolled in the bud and grow alternatively along the stem. Additionally, they are slender and tapered, usually 2 to 16 cm long and 1.5 to 5 mm wide. 

Bermuda grass stems are flattened, numerous, and branching, with a creeping habit. Stems grow to a height of 4-6 inches, though some may reach up to 18 inches tall.

The flowering stems have three to seven flower spikes that are up to 60mm long and arranged terminally on the axis.

Life Cycle/Reproduction/Dispersal

• Life Cycle: Perennial.
• Seeds: Flat, straw-colored, and oval seeds.
• Climate: Thrives well in warm climates.
• Dispersal: Water dispersal, animals, soil movement, and human activities.

Bermuda grass’s main method of reproduction is vegetative propagation via rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (above-ground runners). 

The grass stolons root at their nodes, where lateral buds develop into upright stems that can grow between 5 and 40 cm tall.

This form of vegetative reproduction enables the grass to cover extensive areas rapidly, making it a robust and aggressive species in a variety of environments. 

While seed reproduction does occur, it is less frequent in practice compared to vegetative methods, and germination is affected by factors like light and temperature variations.

Uses

Bermuda grass has the following uses:

1. Health benefits

Cynodon dactylon can help minimize blood loss from injuries and excessive menstrual bleeding by promoting red blood cell production and increasing haemoglobin levels, which helps prevent anaemia.  

Bermuda grass has a hypoglycemic effect, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce fatigue. Additionally, it helps prevent disorders related to diabetes.

This grass is used to alleviate coughs and other respiratory issues. Its juice can be beneficial for mouth ulcers and bleeding gums when used as a mouthwash.

Moreover, Cynodon dactylon aids in detoxifying the body by eliminating toxins. It is also effective in managing acidity and regulating bowel movements.

2. Prevents soil erosion

The plant’s extensive root system forms a robust network that stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion during heavy rainfall. 

Additionally, the dense foliage serves as a protective barrier against erosive forces, safeguarding the soil surface.

Other uses of Bermuda grass include:

• It is used as feed for livestock.
• It is used as a lawn in golf courses and residential areas.
• It is used to enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.

Impact on Environment

Bermuda grass is known for its rapid and persistent growth, which can cause it to spread aggressively and become a problematic invasive species. 

Its vigorous growth allows it to outcompete and displace native plants, diminishing biodiversity and negatively impacting the balance of local ecosystems.

Control

You can control Bermuda grass through these methods:

1. Mulching and Solarization

A black polythene can be placed over Bermuda grass to block sunlight from reaching the plants, effectively managing even well-established ones. 

To achieve this process:

• First, mow the Bermuda grass short and water the area. 
• Cover it with a clear plastic tarp, securing the edges with weights such as cinder blocks. 
• Keep it in place for 6-8 weeks during the hot summer months. 
• The heat that accumulates under the plastic will eliminate the grass and any viable seeds.

2. Chemical Control

Glyphosate-based herbicides, such as Roundup, can be utilized for spot treatments on Bermuda grass in lawns, but they will also eliminate desirable grass species. 

For selective control of Cynodon dactylon without harming other grasses, herbicides containing fluazifop-P-butyl or sethoxydim are recommended, though multiple applications may be necessary.

Other post-emergent herbicides that control Bermuda grass include:

• Sethoxydim
• Fluazifop (found in products like Fusilade, Ornamec, and Grass-B-Gon)
• Clethodim (Envoy)
• Triclopyr
• Atrazine

Use these weed control mechanisms to eliminate weeds from Bermuda grass if you intend to have it on your lawn.

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

You’ll find the grass that we’ve covered here in many lawns across Australia. Most of the species featured are warm-season grasses that thrive in the local climate. You’ll succeed in growing it as long as you provide the basic requirements for growth.

Here’s the list of the most common types of lawn grass in Australia that survive in temperate or tropical climate zones. 

1. Buffalo grass

• Scientific name: Bouteloua dactyloides
• English name: Buffalo grass
• Local Name: Sir Walter, Palmetto
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Buffalo grass is a common lawn grass in Australia. This perennial grass is native to western parts of North America and grows up to 20cm tall. It is characterized by green-gray-colored curly leaves.

Buffalo grass does well in well-drained loam, clay, or limestone. This grass is also one of the few drought-tolerant North American grasses suitable for lawn use. Buffalo grass thrives in areas that get 6-8 hours of sunlight.

There are two types of Buffalo grasses; ‘Palmetto’ and ‘Sir Walter’

Palmetto Buffalo (stenotaphrum secundatum)

Palmetto Buffalo is very common in lawns in Australia. You may have already seen it in your neighbourhood.

Its characteristics include:

• Vivid green colour almost year-round.
• High drought tolerance.
• No underground roots, so it doesn’t invade pavers and garden beds.
• Suitable for high foot traffic areas.
• Less mowing than most buffalo grasses.
• Slow to recover if damaged.

Sir Walter Buffalo (stenotaphrum secundatum)

Sir Walter is the best type of grass in Australia because it can adapt to all types of weather and environmental conditions.

Unlike Palmetto, Sir Walter is fast-growing and needs frequent mowing. It also produces more seeds.

Its characteristics include:

• Keeps its winter color in a partial shade
• Grows actively in winter
• Has an even greater tolerance for wear and tear than Palmetto
• Has slightly better drought tolerance.

2. Bermuda grass

• Scientific name: Cynodon dactylon
• English name: Bermuda grass
• Local Name: Couch turf
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Bermuda grass is a perennial warm-season grass that is native to Africa but also grows in tropical to warm climates.

This fine-leaf variety of grass is dark green in color and maintains its natural shade for longer under drought conditions.

Bermuda grass grows rapidly and is able to outcompete most weed species. It is mostly used in lawn and pasture grass and for golf greens

Characteristics include:

• Fine leaf texture in bright green
• Can withstand heavy traffic
• Drought, pest, and disease resistant
• Grass grows up to 1.5 inches

3. Weeping rice grass

• Scientific name: Microlaena Stipoides
• English name: Weeping rice grass
• Local Name: Weeping meadow grass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Weeping rice grass is one of the native grass types in Australia. The perennial grass has dense foliage and soft lime-green leaves.

This grass thrives in a high rainfall environment and can tolerate extreme weather once it’s established.

Weeping rice grass has a high salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal lawns. It does not need fertilizer to grow.

This grass usually grows by the roadside or in shady bushland areas. It is important to note that weeping rice grass does not do well on lawns with heavier foot traffic than the usual kids’ play.

Characteristics are:

• Requires minimal mowing
• Leaves can grow to a height of 75cm if left unmowed
• Makes excellent ground cover beneath huge trees
• Low tolerance to heavy foot traffic

4. Kikuyu grass

• Scientific name: Cenchrus clandestinus
• English name: Kikuyu grass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Kikuyu grass is native to East Africa. This perennial grass thrives in areas prone to drought and coastal conditions.

Kikuyu grass is similar to Bermuda grass because both grow rapidly during periods of high sunlight and warm temperatures. However, Kikuyu grass can grow at even lower temperatures.

Characteristics:

• Produces flat pointy leaves that are 4-5mm wide
• High tolerance to extreme weather conditions
• Suitable for high foot traffic areas
• Quick recovery and regenerative

5. Fescue

• Scientific name: Schedonorus arundinaceus
• English name: Tall Fescue
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Fescue is native to most parts of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.  In Australia, it is found in the South and Western parts of the country.

One of the main disadvantages of Fescue grass is its susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Characteristics:

• Grows well in poor soil
• Does not need frequent mowing
• Germinates quickly
• Coarse and bristly

6. Kentucky Bluegrass

• Scientific name: Poa pratensis
• English name: Kentucky bluegrass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass recognized for its lush green color, fine texture, and dense sod.

The grass is less prevalent in Australia because of the country’s extreme heat and demanding maintenance requirements.

Kentucky bluegrass, however, thrives in cooler, shaded places, including lawns, sports fields, and golf courses in the country.

Its special characteristics include:

• Kentucky bluegrass forms dense lawns.
• When left to grow, stems can reach heights of 1 to 2 feet.
• The leaves are 2 to 7 inches long, thin, and dark green in color.

7. Perennial Ryegrass

• Scientific name: Lolium perenne
• English name: Perennial Ryegrass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Ryegrass grows best in mild, humid conditions. It creates a dense mat and has deep roots that make it resistant to heat and drought, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

While ryegrass is disease-resistant and tolerant of shade like other cool-season kinds, it must be frequently mowed to control its development.

Characteristics of perennial ryegrass include:

• Dense perennial tuft
• Stems grow between 30-90 cm
• Fine dark green leaves, spike seed head, flat fawn seeds.
• Ideal for grazing,
• Cold and frost-tolerant
• Its growth is limited in areas with high temperatures.

8. Centipede grass

• Scientific name: Eremochloa ophiuroides
• English name: Centipede grass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Centipede grass forms a dense lawn that is medium to light green in color. This grass is mostly used in golf courses and lawns because it can withstand foot traffic.

it is characterized by:

• Thin and long grass blades
• Stolons that help the plant to spread

9. Bentgrass (Agrostis)

• Scientific name: Agrostis
• English name: Bentgrass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or Perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge, or broadleaf: Grass

Bentgrass, known for its soft texture and primarily seen on Northern golf courses, can be identified by its tufted appearance, slender stems, and flat leaf blades.

It thrives on golf courses and lawns but requires high maintenance year-round, including fertilizing, mowing, and watering.

Characteristics:

• Thrives in temperate, cool, subtropical, tropical areas.
• Forage, turf, and weeds.
• Tufted, slender stems, flat leaf blades.
• Wind-pollinated.

These are the most common lawn grass types in Australia. Do you have a favorite from the list?

Related

• The best apps for timber identification in Australia
• List of weeds that stick to your clothes
• Types of weeds with yellow flowers

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post 9 types of lawn grass in Australia (with pictures) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Here, we will cover the most common tropical weeds that thrive in areas with abundant rainfall and warm temperatures throughout the year.

You’ll be surprised to know that some of the plants considered to be weeds in these areas are highly valued as vegetables, herbs or used for ornamental purposes in other areas.

Here are the 10 common tropical weeds, including their botanical names, characteristics, and ways to eliminate them

1. Creeping foxglove – Asystasia gangetica

• Local names: Chinese violet
• Family: Acanthaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Creeping foxglove, also known as Chinese violet, is a perennial herb that is native to Asia and Southern Africa.

When mature, the weed can grow up to one meter tall, with dark green leaves and a weak slender stem.

The best way to get rid of creeping foxglove is to use preventative measures to prevent it from spreading.

These methods may include physically hand-pulling the entire plant, especially by its roots, plucking seedpods and uprooting seedlings.

2. Witchweed – Striga Lour

• Local name: Witchweed
• Family: Orobanchaceae
• Annual or perennial: Annual
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Sedge

Witchweed is a parasitic weed that attaches to a host plant to germinate and for early development. The weed originated from North Africa and Asia but has also recently spread to North America.

This perennial weed can grow up to 75cm, with rough green leaves and a thin stem. Witchweed is one of the tropical weeds with colorful blooms characterized by flowers which may be purple, white, yellow, bluish or a mixture of two colors.

Apart from hand pulling, you can also eliminate witchweed by growing trap crops, improving soil fertility, crop rotation and planting resistant crop varieties.

3. Milkweed – Asclepias syriaca

• Local name: Silkweed
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Named due to its milk-like latex when cut, Milkweed is a perennial flowering herb commonly found in Africa and parts of North and South America.

Milkweed originated from North America and Canada before spreading to other parts of the world. This poisonous weed can grow to about 1.8 meters tall, with simple green leaves and a cluster of pinkish-purple flowers. 

The most effective way to kill milkweed is by spraying herbicides, but you can also uproot the weed when still small.

4. Tridax daisy – Tridax Procumbens

• Local name: Coatbuttons
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or perennial: Annual
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Tridax daisy is a noxious weed native to tropical America, especially Mexico. This invasive weed can grow to reach 50 cm tall.

Tridax daisy has a hairy stem, oval-shaped green leaves, and daisy-like flowers on branching stalks.

A single daisy plant can produce up to 1,500 achenes, easily spread by wind.

Professional application of herbicides effectively eliminates tridax daisy, although other methods, such as hand-pulling and mowing, can also work.

5. African club moss – Selaginella kraussiana

• Local name: Krauss clubmoss
• Family: Selaginellaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Characterized by fern-like evergreen leaves, African club moss is a perennial weed naturally found in Sub-Sahara Africa. It is a low-growing plant, which barely exceeds 5 cm tall.

African club moss weed spreads quickly through rooting stems and can be challenging to eliminate.

Therefore, applying herbicides properly and early is advisable, but uprooting the young plant can also help.

6. Bermuda grass – Cynodon dactylon

• Local name: Bahama grass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Grass

Bermuda grass is considered a valuable fodder crop. It is a hardy perennial grass that can withstand prolonged drought seasons.

The grass originated from the Indian Ocean basin stretching from East Africa to India.

Bermuda grass spreads fast via its stolons and can be stubborn to eliminate. However, using approved herbicides or pouring boiling water on the grass can aid in killing the grass’s roots.

We’ve previously covered ways to eliminate weeds from Bermuda grass should you wish to use the grass in your lawn.

7. Siam weed – Eupatorium odoratum

• Local name: Devil weed
• Family: Asteraceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Broadleaf

Siam weed is another common tropical weed that is native to Central America. This perennial weed can grow up to 10 meters tall in shady areas.

The weed has green leaves that produce an aromatic odor and white-pinkish flowers.

A single Siam weed can produce over 80,000 achenes containing seeds that spread via wind.

You can get rid of the weed through the application of licensed herbicides and pulling it at the roots.

8. Carpet grass – Axonopus compressus

• Local name: Carpet grass
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Grass

Native to the Americas’ tropical and subtropical regions, carpet grass is one of the tropical weed species distinguished by its two-edged seed head.

This perennial grass thrives in warm climates and can easily suppress other crops.

Hand-pulling can be effective in cases where the grass is not widely spread. In other cases, you may need to use herbicides or burning with boiling water to get rid of this weed.

9. Nutgrass – Cyperus esculentus

• Local name: Tiger nut
• Family: Cyperaceae
• Annual or perennial: Annual and Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Sedge

Nutgrass, also called tiger nut, is one of the weeds in tropical regions that are both perennial and annual plants.

The invasive weed can grow up to 90 cm tall with triangular stems and fibrous roots with nut-like tubers.

Tiger nut can produce as many as 2400 seeds in a single plant, spreading quickly. A common natural method for eliminating nutgrass is to pull it from the roots.

But for a more effective solution, consider applying herbicides.

10. Couchgrass – Elymus repens

• Local name: Common couch
• Family: Poaceae
• Annual or perennial: Perennial
• Grass, sedge or broadleaf: Grass

Lastly, we have couchgrass, a perennial grass native to Africa, Europe and Asia. This grass can grow up to 50 cm tall and has root stalks that aid in rapid spreading and thin hairy leaves.

Couchgrass is a very invasive weed as its root stalks can entangle around the roots of crops. It is, therefore, good to lightly pull the weed from the loose ground or dig deep to remove the grass.

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post 10 common tropical weeds and their botanical names appeared first on InsightWeeds.

There are a variety of grass species, but only a few are commonly grown on lawns.

Here we’ll discuss the various species of grass, their classification, and their characteristics.

Scientific classification of grass

Grass belongs to the Poaceae family. In total, about 11,000 grass species are known today in the world.

However, you don’t have to know the 11,000 grass species since most of them share characteristics and growing conditions.

Generally, about 12 common grass types grow in lawns in different seasons. But if you need to know more than those, this list of 20 types of grass should come in handy.

Where does grass come from?

Grasses are considered the most versatile plants, as they evolved around 55 million years ago.

Wild grasses are dominant in every habitat and continent, including Antarctica. Different species thrive in different continents according to the soil and climate conditions.

On the other hand, lawns are dated to the 16^th and 17^th centuries during the European Renaissance, as most grass is native to Europe and Asia.

During this period, lawns were cultivated in wealthy households in France and England.

The practice quickly spread, was introduced to North America by European immigrants, and became popular in the late 19^th century.

Why is grass important?

Grass is a versatile plant considered the world’s most important crop.

Different grass species offer many landscaping benefits, making a house’s lawn vibrant and lush. It also protects the grass from soil erosion and purifies our air.

Additionally, grass serves as animal food and can be processed into forage food for livestock and humans.

Grass is usually grown as an ornamental plant or turf for lawns and fields. This is because they have green bladelike leaves and extensive fibrous root systems, which make them withstand outdoor activities.

8 common grass species for lawns

When starting a new lawn, you will want to choose the right type of grass that grows according to your household’s climate, soil, and yard conditions.

Here are the common types of grass plants that are suitable for your lawn according to their season affinity:

1. Bermuda grass

Bermuda grass, whose scientific name is Cynodon dactylon, is a perennial grass that grows during warm seasons.

It is popular on golf courses and the best choice for front and back yards because of its dense and deep green color. The drawback of this grass plant also has high maintenance, as it requires to be watered frequently.

The key characteristics of the Bermuda grass include its grey-green bladelike leaves that are usually 2 or 15 cm long. Its stems are slightly flat and often purplish, while its roots are deep and can extend up to 2 meters deep.

Bermuda grass can be mowed routinely to a low height, allowing it to retain traffic tolerance. While at it, you must get rid of weeds in the grass to keep it looking great.

2. Fine fescue

Fine fescue is a perennial grass genus that is standard turf and drought tolerant, suitable for warm and cool seasons.

The grass is shade tolerant and stays green all year, especially during cool seasons. It is also low maintenance as it requires little moisture and fertilizer.

The fine grass resembles tall fescue but has distinct features like greenish or reddish seedheads. Fine fescue’s leaves are smooth and slim, hence considered more highly than tall fescue for lawns.

It also has high traffic and drought tolerance and can remain healthy in full sun.

3. Buffalo grass

Buffalo grass, whose scientific name is Bouteloua dactyloides, is a warm-season perennial grass that is drought, cold, and heat tolerant.

It is a native grass in North America and low-maintenance, hence common in lawns and golf courses.

Its key characteristics include foliage that is 5 to 13 meters high and flower stalks that are 10 to 20 centimeters tall.

It also has numerous dense roots and produces by rhizomes or stolons occasionally. 

4. Tall fescue

Tall fescue, scientifically called Festuca arundinacea, is a cool-season perennial grass species similar to fine fescue.

Despite not being popular as its fine cousin, it is tolerable to heat, therefore, recommended in northern and southern states. It is common on athletic fields and areas that have more high traffic and need heavy use.

The cool season grass species can grow between 2 to 4 feet in seed head stage. Its coarse dark green leaves are thick and wide, with prominent parallel veins running through the blade.

Tall fescue reproduces through seed transmission and tillering, which makes it unique to other grasses that reproduce through stolons or rhizomes.

5. Perennial Ryegrass

The perennial ryegrass, also scientifically identified as Lolium perenne, is a low-growing turf grass grown on lawns combined with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue.

It grows well and is easily maintained in cool areas or during cold seasons.

Its key characteristics include smooth dark green leaves with parallel veins on the upper surface. The deep roots are arbuscular mycorrhizal, a symbiotic process between plants and the Glomeromycota fungi for water and nutrients.

6. Zoysia grass

Lawngrass, scientifically identified as zoysia, is a perennial warm-season turf grass with heat, cold, and high traffic tolerance.

The name lawngrass comes from its popularity and versatility as a lawn grass. It is also low maintenance as it doesn’t require frequent watering and fertilizers.

Zoysia has a green hue uniquely different from other grasses and is known to resist pests and diseases. It can also be used to choke out weeds.

Zoysia has a deep root system that efficiently obtains water and nutrients. It thrives better in warmer and tropical regions compared to cold areas.

7. St. Augustine grass

Its scientific name is Stenotaphrum secundatum, a warm-season perennial turf grass commonly used on lawns, ranches, and pastures. This grass species is easy to control and maintain.

St. Augustine grass has dark green leaves with broad, flat blades with a coarse and delicate texture.

It also has large flat stems that are blue-green. It reproduces by stolons and forms a dense turf layer on the ground it grows.

St. Augustine grass is susceptible to weeds. However, you can get rid of them through the steps provided here.

8. Centipede grass

Centipede grass, whose scientific name is Eremochloa ophiuroides, is a warm-season perennial grass popular in lawns and fields.

The advantage of centipede grass is that it is low-maintenance and requires infrequent mowing. However, it has medium heat tolerance, poor drought, and traffic tolerance.

Its characteristics include medium to light green leaves that are coarse in texture. It also has short upright stems that grow between 3 to 5 inches high.

The plant’s roots are shallow, making it easy to uproot when considered a weed. But if you want a centipede grass lawn without weeds, consider these eradication methods.

Does grass have DNA?

Yes, grass has DNA in the chloroplast and is used to compare different grass species.

The development of genomic tools has aided in collecting large stretches of chloroplast DNA for research purposes.

Even though they are not closely related species, grass and other plant species may also pass genes during reproduction.

Comparison of chloroplast DNA is also used to study new mechanisms involved in the grass genome evolution. That’s why some grass species are closely related due to shared DNA.

An example is the fine and tall fescue grass from the same subfamily but with different leaf textures and heights.

What is the study of grass called?

The study of grass is called agrostology, and it involves the classification and identification of species of grass according to chloroplast DNA and characteristics.

Early studies involved studying the external morphology of plants, but recent and advanced studies involve cellular, historical, embryological, and physiologic studies on the grass species.

Carla Etheridge

Carla is a student pursuing a B.S in Agricultural Systems Technology. With a passion for landscaping for over 4 years, Carla loves plants. She has previously contributed to several other sites in the space before joining InsightWeeds.

The post How many species of grass are there? appeared first on InsightWeeds.

But even with the best of care, weeds can still invade your Bermuda grass lawn, spoiling its beauty.

If you are looking for a way to kill weeds in Bermuda grass, there are several solutions. One of the most effective techniques is to use herbicides.

There are several pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides that you can spray on your lawn to eradicate the weeds.

Another option is to use natural (organic) techniques to control weeds growing on your grass.

Below, we have compiled detailed information on weed control on Bermuda grass. From common types of weed to various solutions.

Type of weeds in Bermuda grass

Several types of weeds can invade where Bermuda grass is growing. Some weeds come from seeds already present in the soil before planting the grass.

Other weeds are carried into the turf by wind, people, or even animals.

There are two common types of weeds that you can find in Bermuda grass:

• Grassy weeds – these weeds look like grass and can be hard to identify as they can camouflage in the Bermuda grass. Common examples include Crabgrass, witchgrass, foxtail grass, nutsedge grass, etc.
• Broadleaf weeds – these are the most common weeds on Bermuda grass. They are also easy to identify as they have conspicuous leaves. Chickweed, dandelion, spurge, and white clover are some of the most common broadleaf weeds on Bermuda grass.

How to eradicate weeds in Bermuda grass

There are several ways to kill weeds in Bermuda grass. Below is a look at them:

Herbicides weed control

Chemical control is one of the most efficient ways of killing weeds in Bermuda grass. It is practical and will eradicate most weeds when using the right products. It is also less tedious than some natural weeding techniques.

When it comes to chemical weed control, there are two main herbicides options to choose from:

• Pre-emergent herbicides – these herbicides target weed seeds, killing weeds before they sprout. They also work on young weeds that are just sprouting.
• Post-emergent herbicides – these herbicides target weeds that are already on your lawn. They are effective weed killers and will kill every weed they come into contact with.

Unfortunately, there is a high risk of killing your grass alongside the weeds when using chemical herbicides. Therefore, you should only use selective weed killers that are safe for Bermuda grass.

What herbicide is safe for Bermuda grass? Below is a look at some of the best Bermuda grass-friendly herbicides that you can use on your lawn:

1. Prodiamine 65WDG

Prodiamine 65WDG is a pre-emergent herbicide suited for Bermuda grass and other lawn grasses.

It is a broadleaf weed killer that prevents the sprouting of several broadleaf weeds. It is also very effective at preventing the germination of Crabgrass on your lawn.

2. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder

Scotts Liquid Turf Builder is a post-emergent weed killer that you can use on your Bermuda grass lawn. It is a selective broadleaf weed killer, which kills weeds but not grass.

It is very effective against the dandelion, chickweed, poison ivy, ragweed, spurge, clover, and other major lawn weeds.

Scotts Liquid Turf builder also comes with a fertilizer, which promotes the healthy growth of your lawn. This helps your Bermuda grass to thrive, choking out any remaining weeds.

However, one drawback of the herbicide is that it is not effective against grassy weeds like Crabgrass.

3. BioAdvanced 704140 All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer

BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer is a herbicide that kills everything but Bermuda grass.

It is effective against various broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, etc. It also eradicates grassy weeds like Crabgrass, foxtail grass, panicum, barnyard grass, and others.

Is Roundup safe for Bermuda grass?

Roundup is a herbicide containing Glysophate that is effective against all weeds – broadleaf and grassy. Spraying it on your lawn is likely to kill Bermuda grass and weeds that are growing alongside it.

However, you can use Roundup to kill weeds in dormant Bermuda grass during winter. In this case, the herbicide will only target the weeds, leaving your grass unharmed.

Unfortunately, even then, it is not without side effects as it can stunt your grass, delaying the spring green-up.

Natural weed control

Natural weed control is alternative that you can use to kill weeds in Bermuda grass. However, the only viable technique is pulling the weeds out by hand or gardening tools.

Other natural solutions such as vinegar, salt, dishwasher soap, boiling water, etc., are not practical as they are non-selective.

As a result, using them on your lawn will kill the weeds alongside your grass.

Weeds growing out of your Bermuda grass can result in an unsightly lawn appearance. They can also damage your grass, making it susceptible to more weeds outbreak.

However, with the above solutions, you can enjoy a healthy year-round Bermuda turf and prevent or eradicate even the toughest weeds.

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post How to kill weeds in Bermuda grass appeared first on InsightWeeds.