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.

insightweeds.com/

The post Tropical Grasses With Their Names, Characteristics, and Pictures appeared first on InsightWeeds.

It is easily identified by its short, coarse-textured leaves, densely hairy sheath, and profusely branched stolons.

Common Kikuyu Grass Classification

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Spermatophyta
• Subphylum: Angiospermae
• Class: Monocotyledonae
• Order: Cyperales
• Family: Poaceae
• Genus: Pennisetum
• Species: Pennisetum clandestinum
• Common Names: Kikuyu Grass

Nativity and Distribution

Common Kikuyu Grass is native to the highlands of Eastern Africa in countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Today, the grass is naturalized in many regions across the globe such as Asia, Australia, South Africa, and the Southern United States.

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Flattened or upwardly folded, bright-green, short leaves
• Stems: Thick with 5-cm interval internodes and a single blade and leaf sheath 
• Flowers: A spike bearing 2-4 spikelets with short bristles at the base
• Roots: Fibrous root system

Pennisetum clandestinum is a rhizomatous perennial grass that forms dense and hardy mats of turf. It reproduces by underground rhizomes, above-ground stolons, and seeds.

It is easily identified by its short, coarse-textured leaves, densely hairy sheath, and profusely branched stolons.

Common kikuyu grass leaves are glabrous or finely haired, folded at initial growth, and flat when mature. The leaf blades are 15 cm long and 3-5 mm wide, blade-shaped, and obtuse at the apex.

The stolons are 40 cm long, heavily branched, and have internodes at intervals of 5 cm, with a single sheath and blade. Rhizomes occur at a depth of 20-30 cm in the soil and have similar physical traits as the stolons but without expanded leaves. 

The grass produces its inflorescence as a spike with 2-4 spikelets with 2 florets enclosed in the upper sheath. 

The seeds are 2 x 1.5 mm and dark brown in color.  

Reproduction, Dispersal, and Life Cycle

• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Seeds: Produces one seed per spikelet
• Climate: Warm sunny climates
• Dispersal: Water, animals, and contaminated implements and vehicles

P. clandestinum behaves as a perennial grass and thrives in warm and sunny climates. It mainly reproduces vegetatively by underground rhizomes and above-ground stolons.

The rhizomes occur 20-30 cm in the soil and produce fibrous roots that can go deep up to 3 meters. The runners produce shoots from their nodes, creating dense mats along the ground. 

Kikuyu grass also reproduces through seeds, which are dispersed by animals, water, and contaminated implements and vehicles. They can also get dispersed to longer distances as a contaminant of crop seed. The seeds hidden in the soil remain viable for more than ten years.

Similar Plants

• Pennisetum villosum
• Paspalum vaginatum
• Paspalum distichum
• Cynodon dactylon
• Digitaria abyssinica

Uses

1. It is a valuable pasture grass in many countries like Colombia, Hawaii, and South Africa, due to its high tolerance to heavy grazing. 
2. It is a highly valued turf grass for ornamental and sports uses like residential lawns and golf courses because of its bright green foliage.
3. The grass is used for weed suppression, land reclamation, and soil erosion efforts.

Impact on Farms and Environment

Pennisetum clandestinum is a serious weed in many countries and has been named one of the 100 worst weeds as well as a federal noxious weed in the USA.

While it is a useful fodder grass, its aggressive growth can make it invasive in many settings. In farms, it can compete for natural resources with desirable plants, leading to crop losses.  It has also been observed to have an allelopathic effect on tomato plantations. 

Common kikuyu grass can invade natural habitats causing the decline of native species diversity as recorded in New Zealand, South Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. 

It can also invade lawns and cause blockages and access limitations in irrigation channels, roadsides, and industrial areas. 

While it may provide valuable pasture, it can cause poisoning in livestock, especially sheep if grown under highly fertile conditions or infected by fungi.

Control

• Cultural control: Growing clovers in pastures or legumes in crop farms to reduce the spread of the grass.
• Chemical control: Herbicides like fluazifop-butyl and glyphosate for crop farms and MSMA + triclopyr for turf grasses. 

The grass has deep rhizomes, making it difficult to eradicate without heavy tillage equipment. However, in pastures, growing clovers and combining them with heavy grazing, forage harvesting, or mulching can help control the grass. 

A legume fallow in a maize plantation has also been documented as helpful in reducing the weed. Plastic mulches are often used to control the grass in ornamental nurseries.

For larger infestations, selective and non-selective herbicides like fluazifop-butyl, bromacil, and glyphosate can be used depending on the crop variety and season. We recommend consulting a local expert to get the best herbicide for your crop.

Herbicides such as MSMA, bensulide, or combinations such as MSMA + triclopyr are recommended for use on turf grass against common kikuyu grass.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Common Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

The grass is easily identifiable by its thick creeping stems and short green leaves that are flattened or upward-folding along the midrib.

Cenchrus clandestinus Classification

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Spermatophyta
• Subphylum: Angiospermae
• Class: Monocotyledonae
• Order: Poales
• Family: Poaceae
• Genus: Cenchrus
• Species: Cenchrus clandestinus
• Common Names: Kikuyu grass, Kikuyu

Nativity and Distribution

Cenchrus clandestinus is native to the highlands in Eastern Africa in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

Currently Kikuyu grass is naturalized in many regions globally including:

• Asia
• Europe
• Australia
• South Africa
• North America
• South America

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Short, bright green blades, glabrous or soft hairy
• Stems: Jointed, long, thick creeping stems 
• Flowers: Inconspicuous narrow flower spikelets subtended by a ring of bristles
• Roots: Fibrous root system

Kikuyu grass is a low-growing perennial plant that can reach 30-90 cm in height. It is easily identified by its thick creeping stems and short bright green leaves that are flattened or upward folding along the midrib.

The grass has jointed thick stems (stolons) about 40 cm long that are heavily branched to form dense mats on the ground. It also produces creeping underground stems, also called rhizomes that run to a depth of 20-30 cm.  

The leaves comprise a base leaf sheath and a spreading leaf blade. Leaf blades are short, bright green, glabrous or soft hairy, about 1-30 cm and 3-7 mm wide. Kikuyu grass leaves are soft and folded in the initial growth, but become flatter and coarser as it matures.

C. clandestinus produces inconspicuous inflorescence which remains hidden within the sheath, with occasional protrusion of the style or stamen tips. It consists of 2-4 long and narrow flower spikelets about 10-20 mm long and 0.8-1.5 mm wide, with two florets subtended by a ring of bristles. 

Seeds are somewhat flattened, dark reddish brown, and about 2-3 mm long and 1.5 mm wide. 

Reproduction, Dispersal, and Life Cycle

• Life Cycle: Perennial 
• Seeds: Produces seeds under certain conditions
• Climate: Tropical and subtropical climates
• Dispersal: Animals, water, contaminated implements, crop seed, and vehicles

Cenchrus clandestinus behaves as a perennial plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It primarily propagates vegetatively through stolons and rhizomes. 

However, in areas where seed is set, it can be dispersed by animals, water, or contaminated vehicles, implements, and crop seed. 

Kikuyu grass is a desired turf for amenity and ornamental use and is, therefore, also deliberately introduced into new areas. 

Similar Plants

• Cenchrus villosum
• Paspalum distichum
• Paspalum vaginatum
• Digitaria abyssinica

Uses

1. It is a preferred turf for residential lawns and golf courses due to its attractive bright green foliage.
2. It is grown for livestock pasture.
3. The grass is used to stabilize soils on steep slopes and prevent soil erosion.
4. It is used in land reclamation efforts.
5. The grass is grown to suppress other invasive weeds like the senecio inaequidens.

Impact on Farms and Environment

C. clandestinus is a serious weed due to its elongate and highly invasive stems. While it is mostly grown for beneficial purposes, it can easily escape and colonize new areas, including farmlands. 

Its thick mat-like growth can affect cultivated crops, leading to poor yields and consequently, high economic losses. Apart from competing for essential nutrients, kikuyu grass is also reported to have an allelopathic effect on plants like lucerne, tomatoes, and herbs.

Kikuyu grass is also considered a noxious environmental weed as its creeping stems block irrigation channels, waterways, roadsides, and industrial infrastructure. It also invades natural habitats by climbing over other plants, suppressing the growth of native species. 

The aggressive grass also springs up on lawns, taking root over large areas if left unchecked. Since it’s resistant to mowing due to its extensive root system, it can be hard to eradicate, requiring intensive and expensive control mechanisms. 

While it considered a high-value pasture grass, when growing in highly-fertile conditions or infected by fungi, it can cause toxicity in livestock, such as sheep.

Control

• Cultural control: Grow competitive plants that can outcompete the grass.
• Chemical control: Apply selective or non-selective herbicides like oryzalin and glyphosate

Planting taller or groundcovering vegetation that can outcompete the grass can help reduce the encroachment. For instance, following a maize crop harvest, legume fallows are encouraged to control the grass infestations.

Maintaining a vigorous and healthy lawn is another effective strategy against 

Effective control can also be achieved through application of selective or non-selective chemical herbicides for perennial grasses. However, the application strategy depends on the type of area infested. 

The most recommended herbicides include glyphosate, fluazifop, oryzalin, prodiamine, or pendimethalin. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Cenchrus clandestinus (Kikuyu grass) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

In this article, we’ll explore both their similarities and differences. But first, let’s get a brief description of each grass. 

What is Kikuyu Grass?

Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) is a perennial grass that grows up to 15 cm tall. It grows well in moist soils but can also thrive in dry conditions due to its extensive root system. 

It has high pest and weed resistance, making it a popular turf for sports fields, residential and commercial lawns, public parks, and grazing. Kikuyu grass has been bred to produce various varieties that can thrive in diverse climates including Kenda, Whittet, Village Green, and Zulu. 

What is Durban Grass?

Durban Grass (Dactyloctenium australe), also known as smother grass is a fine-textured perennial grass that grows well in shaded areas but can also thrive in full sun. 

It is a low-maintenance grass that’s highly resistant to drought and pests. It is commonly used as ground cover for residential lawns, parks, and gardens.  

Similarities Between Kikuyu and Durban Grass

Kikuyu and Durban grass may be popular turf grasses worldwide due to their hardy nature. But what other similarities do the two grasses share? 

Let’s examine their key similarities:

Warm Season Grasses

Kikuyu and Durban grass are both warm-season grasses. This means they thrive during the warmer months, providing dense coverage and a lush appearance.

In the colder months, they become dormant, conserving energy for quick recovery in the next warm season. 

Soil Adaptability and Drought Resistance

While both grasses prefer moderately to well-drained soils, they are generally versatile and can tolerate many soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. They can also withstand low fertility soils and moderate salinity levels with their ideal soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

Kikuyu and Durban grass have moderate to good drought resistance, making them suitable for areas with irregular rainfall. Additionally, their ability to survive dry conditions makes them some of the best turf for low-maintenance landscapes. 

Pest and Disease Resistance

Pest and disease pose a big challenge for many turf grasses. However, both grasses exhibit good resistance to common pests and diseases like mites, aphids, and leaf spot. This makes them reliable choices for healthy low-maintenance lawns. 

Growing the grasses in ideal conditions and maintaining them by mowing, watering, and fertilizing can further enhance their pest and disease resistance. 

Kikuyu vs Durban Grass: The Differences

Kikuyu and Durban grass share several similarities; they are both warm-season grasses popular in subtropical and tropical climates. 

While both grasses are used for lawns, sports fields, and parks, they differ in certain areas including appearance, growth habits, maintenance requirements, and invasiveness.

Appearance

Kikuyu grass is bright green, with an upright growth that forms a lush vibrant appearance. The leaves can turn slightly yellow during dormancy or when the grass receives low sunlight. The texture of the leaves is medium to coarse and creates a dense coverage that suppresses weeds effectively. 

Durban grass may appear slightly lighter green than Kikuyu grass and has generally finer leaf texture, creating a softer feel underfoot. It typically has prostate growth and forms a less dense coverage, allowing for a more casual lawn look.

Growth Habits

Kikuyu grass is known for its aggressive and fast growth. It spreads through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground runners), allowing it to cover large areas and recover from wear quickly. 

Durban grass spreads mainly through stolons and is less aggressive than Kikuyu. It forms a softer and more open turf for lower-maintenance areas like residential lawns and parks.

Shade Tolerance

Kikuyu grass has low to moderate shade tolerance.  While it prefers full sunlight, it can survive in areas with about 30% shade. However, it may thin out in such dismal conditions and become less competitive against weeds.

Durban grass has superior shade tolerance. It can thrive in areas with partial or dappled shade, making it one of the best options for shaded gardens or lawns.

Maintenance

Due to its rapid growth, Kikuyu grass may require frequent mowing to keep it at a good length. It also needs regular watering and fertilization to maintain its lush appearance.

Durban grass is slow-growing and generally requires lower maintenance compared to Kikuyu. It thrives with moderate watering and fertilization and requires less frequent mowing.

Invasiveness

As we’ve observed, Kikuyu grass experiences rapid and aggressive growth. Therefore, it is highly invasive and can spread into gardens, flower beds, and neighboring properties. Monitoring and proper edging are required for effective control.

Durban grass is less invasive and easier to manage and hence more preferred for home gardens. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Kikuyu vs Durban Grass: Similarities and Differences appeared first on InsightWeeds.

The turf has strong resistance to pests and weeds making it an all-around hardy turf. Due to its quick foot traffic recovery, Kikuyu grass is a popular grass for use in areas like residential and commercial lawns, public parks, roadside drains, and sports fields. 

Since its introduction to other continents like Australia in the early 1900s, the original Kikuyu grass has been bred to produce enhanced varieties that perform better in different climatic conditions. 

Here is a list of the well-known different types of Kikuyu grass.

1. Common Kikuyu 

• Best for: Residential and commercial lawns, parks, sports fields

Common Kikuyu, also known as Wild Kikuyu is the original form of kikuyu grass. It’s an aggressive and rapid-growing turf that forms a bright green, medium to coarse texture. It thrives in full sun and has excellent drought tolerance. 

Due to its aggressive nature, it can easily crowd out other native plants and requires regular care to prevent it from invading other spaces, such as flower beds and gardens.

Common Kikuyu is highly resilient to heavy foot traffic, making it a popular turf for residential and commercial lawns and other areas like parks and sports fields.

2. Kenda Kikuyu

• Best for: Residential and commercial lawns, pathways, and golf courses

Kenda is one of the best types of Kikuyu grass. It is bred to be male sterile which means it produces fewer seeds, reducing its spreading capacity to unwanted areas. This trait also makes it a perfect turf for people with allergies. 

Kenda has four times as many rhizomes as Common Kikuyu and other Kikuyu varieties, giving it excellent wear tolerance and rapid recovery abilities.

Its fast establishment, soft feet feel, and enduring bright green all-year-round colour make Kenda a popular turf for residential and commercial lawns, pathways, and golf courses.

3. Whittet Kikuyu

• Best for: Residential lawns, racecourses, and pasture fields

Developed in Australia, Whittet Kikuyu is a more uniform and taller variety of the Common Kikuyu. It retains all the hardy characteristics of the original grass but with better tolerance to shade. This makes it a good option for cooler areas that experience warmer summers. 

While it’s a low-maintenance turf, clipping often leads to high seed production and can spread quickly to any available space. Regular mowing and keeping the edges well-defined can help maintain a lush turf.

It’s commonly used for residential lawns, racecourses, and pasture fields.

4. Village Green Kikuyu

• Best for: Homes, parks, sports fields, and schools

Village Green Kikuyu is a medium-coarse and emerald green turf. This hardy Kikuyu grass can easily recover from high traffic and excess wear due to its aggressive growth habit and deep-root system. 

This turf has excellent pest and weed resistance, making it easy to maintain. It’s not only frost tolerant but also winter active, retaining its green colour throughout the year.

You’ll find Village Green in homes, parks, sports fields, and schools. 

5. Zulu Kikuyu

• Best for: Parks, Schools, Roadsides, and Sportsfields

Like other variants, Zulu Kikuyu is an excellent choice for areas prone to high wear and tear like parks, schools, sports fields, and roadsides. The grass thrives best in full sun conditions and has high drought resistance. 

However, it may struggle in colder climates and could yellow slightly in the colder months. Regular mowing and keeping well-marked edges can prevent the aggressively growing grass from invading adjacent gardens or flower beds. 

As you consider the best type of Kikuyu grass for your needs, keep in mind that these varieties may come in different names. Inquiring from your sod dealer for more information on your selection is the best way to avoid confusion.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Different Types of Kikuyu Grass (With Images) 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.

For example, you can choose between turf grass for your lawn and ornamental grass for planting around your yard or in the garden. 

On top of that, each of these species of grass has unique features and characteristics.

Below are some of the different types of grass for landscaping that you can use in your yard. 

We have also included their scientific name and other interesting tidbits you should know about them.

1. Buffalo grass – Bouteloua dactyloides

Buffalo grass is a common North American grass native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family.

Buffalo grass is short growing (about 20 cm tall), has gray-green curly leaves, and spreads very quickly horizontally using stolons, forming a thick and dense turf. 

On top of that, it is drought resistant. Therefore, it is grown as a lawn grass.

2. Bermuda grass – Cynodon dactylon

Bermuda grass is a common type found worldwide but is native to Europe, Australia, Africa, and parts of Asia. 

It is a short-growing grass (about 1 to 30 cm tall) with short, gray-green leaves. It also has a deep root system and spreads quickly horizontally using stolons.

Bermuda grass is a warm-season perennial plant; thus, it returns yearly in favorable warm weather. 

It also has a deep root system, is highly drought resistant, and forms thick sod and turf. As a result, it is one of the most popular types of lawn grass.

We previously shared how to kill weeds in Bermuda grass should you choose this grass for your lawn.

3. Ryegrass – Lolium perenne

Ryegrass, also known as English ryegrass or winter ryegrass, is a plant species in the Poaceae family and the Pooideae subfamily. 

The grass is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia but is widespread in several parts worldwide.

Ryegrass is a low-growing grass that spreads through tillering. It has dark-green leaves with a smooth, glossy surface. 

It is also perennial, cool-season grass that enjoys vigorous growth during the spring and fall seasons.

Ryegrass has a high-water tolerance and can withstand heavy foot traffic. As a result, it is mainly cultivated in school yards, parks, football fields, lawns, and other grass surfaces with high foot traffic. 

The grass is also used for overseeding winter-dormant lawn grasses like Bermuda grass.

4. Kentucky bluegrass – Poa pratensis

Kentucky bluegrass is a perennial grass species in the Poaceae family, Pooideae subfamily. 

It is native to several regions, including Europe, North Asia, and parts of North Africa (Algeria and Morrocco). The grass is also widespread (though not native) to the North American region.

Kentucky bluegrass is a short-growing plant (between 18 and 24 inches tall) with blue-green leaves with a unique, boat-shaped leaf tip. 

It is also a quick-growing grass, which spreads using rhizomes and tillers, forming a thick, dense sod. As a result, it is grown as a lawn grass.

5. Pampas grass – Cortaderia selloana

Pampas grass is a flowering grass that belongs to the Poaceae family and the Cortaderia genus. 

It is a perennial grass native to the South American region, including Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. It is a large, tall-growing plant, reaching up to 10 ft tall when mature.

Pampas grass produces long, sharp-edged leaves that fold at the midrib, forming dense tufts. 

Also, during summer, female plants produce showy, silvery-white flower plumes, which form a cluster above the foliage, creating a dramatic appearance. 

As a result, this is one of the different types of grass for the yard, which are cultivated for ornamental reasons.

NOTE: Pampas grass can also be invasive if not controlled properly. We’ve explained methods for eliminating it when it grows out of control.

6. Chinese silver grass – Miscanthus sinensis

The Chinese silver grass is a flowering grass in the Poaceae family, native to the eastern Asia region and, more specifically, China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. 

It is an herbaceous, tall-growing perennial grass that can reach heights of up to 7ft (sometimes up to 13 ft). 

The grass also forms dense clumps (that emerge from underground rhizomes) with tall, thin leaves (7-30 cm tall and 0.3-2 cm wide).

The dense clumps of Chinese silver grass create a fountain-like appearance. On top of that, the grass produces attractive, purplish flowers that bloom above the foliage. 

The grass is commonly grown as an ornamental grass.

7. Tall fescue – Festuca arundinacea

Tall fescue is a cool-season perennial grass in the Poaceae family that is native to Europe but widespread in several regions worldwide. 

It is a bunch-forming grass that spreads through vertical shoots (tillers). The grass has dark-green coarse leaves with a dull top surface and a glossy bottom surface.

Tall fescue grass has several uses; it is grown as a forage grass for agricultural purposes. 

It is also a popular lawn grass tolerant to heavy foot traffic; it is even grown on the South Lawn of the White House. 

Lastly, the grass can be grown in landscapes for ornamental reasons due to its showy tufts.

8. Purple fountain grass – Pennisetum setaceum

Purple fountain grass is a plant in the Poaceae family and native to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. 

It is a tall-growing plant that reaches up to five feet tall and four feet wide. It is also a perennial grass (coming back every year during the warm season), though it often acts as an annual plant in places with extremely chilly winter seasons.

Purple fountain grass has attractive, burgundy-colored leaves. It also produces showy, purple blooms in summer. 

As a result, it is one of the most popular types of ornamental grass for landscaping.

9. Feather reed grass – Calamagrostis × acutiflor

Feather reed grass is a naturally occurring hybrid plant of the Calamagrostis arundinacea and Calamagrostis epigejos, two grass species of the Poaceae family native to Eurasia. 

It is a tall-growing grass that can reach up to five feet tall and two feet wide when mature.

Feathered reed grass has blue-green leaves that become an attractive golden-tan shade in fall. It also produces showy pink or white flowers. 

Therefore, it is primarily used in landscaping for ornamental reasons.

10. Couch grass

Couch grass, also known as witchgrass or quitch grass, is another popular type used in landscaping. 

It is a perennial species of the Poaceae and Pooideae subfamily, native to Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and the Arctic biome.

Couch grass is a low-growing grass that spreads through rhizomes, forming a dense, deep green mat. 

It is also easy to maintain and highly tolerant to drought conditions and heavy foot traffic. Therefore, it is mainly used for lawns.

11. Kikuyu grass – Cenchrus clandestinus

Kikuyu grass is a tropical species in the Poaceae family, Panicoideae subfamily. 

It is native to the Kenyan highlands that are home to the Kikuyu people, hence its name. 

However, it has been naturalized in several other regions worldwide, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Kikuyu grass is an aggressive growing grass that spreads through a deep-rooted rhizome system and above-ground runners. 

It is also a perennial plant moderately tolerant to drought and heavy foot traffic. 

Lastly, it produces light-green leaves that form a dense turf, making it a popular garden lawn grass.

12. St Augustine grass – Stenotaphrum secundatum

St Augustine grass, also known as buffalo turf, is a warm-season perennial grass species in the Poaceae family, Panicoideae subfamily. 

The grass is native to the warm regions of Africa, South America, and the southeastern U.S.A., but it is also naturalized in several other countries.

St Augustine grass is a low-growing species that spreads horizontally using stolons, forming a deep, dense turf. 

It also features broad, coarse leaves with an attractive blue-green color. These characteristics make the grass a popular option for home lawns.

If you have a lawn with St. Augustine grass, use these weed removal techniques to remove unwanted grass and other weeds from it.

13. Blue oat grass –  Helictotrichon sempervirens

Blue oat grass is a flowering grass in the Poaceae family and the Pooideae subfamily native to the grassland regions of central and southwest Europe. 

It is a tall-growing grass (reaching up to 140 cm in height) that grows in an arching pattern (spreading up to 60 cm wide. 

It is also an evergreen perennial plant, though it sometimes becomes semi-dormant in summer due to drought stress.

Blue oat grass grows clumping, forming nice-looking green-blue round tufts. 

The grass also produces pale blue-green flowers that bloom in summer, making it an excellent ornamental plant for landscaping.

14. Blue fescue – Festuca glauca

Blue fescue, also known as mountain grass or grey fescue, is a flowering grass species in the Poaceae family and the Pooideae subfamily. 

It is a semi-green herbaceous perennial grass that is native to Europe.

Blue fescue is a clump-forming grass with short, glamorous blue-gray foliage. It also produces light-green flowers with hints of purple above the leaves from late spring to early summer. 

As a result, the grass is cultivated in gardens and yards for ornamental purposes.

15. Centipede grass – Eremochloa ophiuroides

Centipede grass is a plant species in the Poaceae family and the Panicoideae subfamily native to Asia, especially in China. 

However, it is widely grown in the North American region, where it is an introduced species. It is also a warm-season perennial grass that produces attractive light green (sometimes blue-green) foliage.

Centipede grass is low-growing and spreads horizontally using stolons, forming a thick, dense mat. 

Also, it requires minimal maintenance and is tolerant to heat, making it a perfect choice for lawns. You can easily fight weeds in centipede grass should they occur.

16. European alkaligrass – Puccinellia distans  

European alkaligrass is a type of grass in the Poaceae family and the Pooideae subfamily native to Europe but widely grown in North America as an introduced species. 

It is a tall-growing perennial plant with upright stems that can reach up to 60 cm high at maturity. It is mainly found in moist areas with saline soils.

European alkaligrass features green to purplish leaves with a flat, rough texture. The plant also produces whitish flowers that form clusters above the foliage. 

Therefore, it is often grown as an ornamental plant, although it is considered a weed in many areas due to its aggressive and invasive nature.

17. Muhly grass – Muhlenbergia capillaris

Muhly grass, also known as hairawn muhly, is a plant in the Poaceae family native to eastern regions of the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala. 

It is a perennial grass with a stiff, upright growth habit, reaching three to four feet tall. As a result, it is one of the top types of tall grass for landscaping.

Muhly grass has glossy, dark-green leaves that grow in a clumping pattern. It also produces showy pinkish-purple blooms in the fall season. Therefore, it is cultivated for ornamental reasons.

18. Creeping bentgrass – Agrostis stolonifera

The creeping bentgrass is a grass species in the Poaceae family and the Pooideae subfamily native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. 

It is a cool season, tall-growing, perennial grass that can grow up to one meter in height.

Creeping bentgrass often forms mats with its blue-grey foliage. Therefore, it is used for turf in gardens, lawns, and other landscapes like golf courses. 

However, it is incredibly high maintenance, especially when grown as lawn grass, as it requires regular watering, mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and dethatching.

19. Japanese forest grass – Hakonechloa macra

Japanese forest grass is a grass species within the Poaceae family that is native to mountainous regions of Japan, hence the name. 

It is a perennial, slow-growing grass which produces new leaves from underground offshoots.

The Japanese forest grass has narrow, lanceolate-shaped leaves that are bright, yellowish-green. It also forms dense clumps. 

It also grows in an arching pattern, with its foliage creating a beautiful cascading effect. As a result, it is cultivated as an ornamental grass.

20. Bahia grass – Paspalum notatum

Bahia grass is another common type of grass used for landscaping, belonging to the Poaceae family and Panicoideae subfamily. 

It is a perennial grass that is native to Mexico and South American regions but is also widespread in North America, where it is naturalized. It is primarily found in tropical and subtropical habitats.

Bahia grass is a low-growing, creeping plant which spreads through stolons and rhizomes. 

Therefore, it forms a dense turf with its rough-textured light-green leaves. Therefore, it is popularly used in home lawns during landscaping.

More Resources

• How to get rid of torpedo grass
• How to control Poa annua 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 20 types of grass used in landscaping appeared first on InsightWeeds.