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.

There are a lot of varieties to choose from as they have distinct characteristics in different environments. For homeowners who love thick-bladed turf grass on their lawns, the St. Augustine grass varieties are an excellent choice.

This article covers the different St. Augustine grass varieties with pictures, their characteristics, and the environments they thrive in. 

1. Raleigh St. Augustine

• Ideal Use: Golf, sports, commercial, parks, and home lawns
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
• Soil Type: Organic clay soil with good drainage
• Native Area: Gulf of Mexico
• Shade Tolerance: Excellent

Raleigh St. Augustine is probably the most popular of the St. Augustine grass varieties because of its dense carpet-like texture. The grass variety was released by North Carolina State University in 1980. Its distinct characteristics include medium green leaves with a coarse texture. 

The medium-sized leaves are dark green, if fertilized well, and grow in organic clay soil with low PH. Its shade tolerance reaches up to 4 hours minimum and has a fair drought tolerance.

It is an ideal turf grass for lawn owners who want cold-hard grass with a high tolerance for heat and humidity. 

2. Palmetto St. Augustine

• Ideal Use: Commercial, home
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Clay or loam soil
• Native Area: Gulf Coast region
• Shade Tolerance: Excellent

Palmetto St. Augustine is the best type of St. Augustine grass for those who live in Texas. It has medium-sized leaves, is smaller than Raleigh, and is known to have the best shade tolerance. It is also among the top two most popular turf grasses, next to Raleigh St. Augustine. 

This type of grass grows into a dark green emerald color when fertilized properly with a massive root system. 

The major difference between Palmetto and Raleigh is that Palmetto has a higher shade and drought tolerance than Raleigh. It also has a softer texture and a higher capability to choke out weeds.

The turf grass thrives best in shaded areas.

3. CitraBlue St. Augustine

• Ideal Use: Homes, commercial landscapes, golf courses, and sports fields
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Sandy or clay soil
• Native Area: Florida, USA
• Shade Tolerance: Excellent

The CitraBlue St. Augustine is one of the St. Augustine grass varieties developed by the University of Florida during the Turfgrass Breeding Program. Its unique characteristics include deep blue-green colored leaves and deep roots.

Unlike the other St. Augustine breeds, the CitraBlue requires fewer amounts of nitrogen and thus uses less fertilizer without compromising performance. 

It also has a top-notch shade tolerance and can be compared to Palmetto St. Augustine’s. Additionally, it has a high disease resistance and is affected less by the gray leaf spot than the other plants. 

Due to its thick and fast growth, it may require regular mowing. It is the best choice for someone who wants disease-resistant turf grass but can keep up with maintenance. 

4. ProVista St. Augustine

• Ideal Use: Home or commercial
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Clay soil with good drainage
• Native Area: Florida, USA
• Shade Tolerance: Great

Scotts ProVista St. Augustine is a uniquely developed Floratam variety with improved weed control and slow growth features. It is a hybrid of two types of St. Augustine grass, which are two native Florida grasses and Floratam.

Its features include deep green leaves that grow in a dense and horizontal pattern. Thus, it is great for foot traffic if you have children or pets.

It is the only turf grass with glyphosate tolerance, which means you can kill weeds such as the Bermuda grass without damaging it. Additionally, due to its slow growth, it does not require regular mowing. 

5. Floratam St. Augustine

• Ideal Use: Commercial and home lawns
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Any soil type with good drainage
• Native Area: Florida, USA
• Shade Tolerance: Good

Floratam St. Augustine is a common type of grass popularly grown on home lawns around Florida. It gets its name from combining “Florida” and “Texas A&M.”

The grass was developed and released by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the University of Florida in 1972.

The turf grass variety is easy to maintain because of its wide leaf blades and warm weather preference, making it the best type of St. Augustine grass in Florida. 

Floratam features include flat, broad leaves that are deep green to bluish-green in color. It also grows rapidly horizontally, making sure it fills any bare patches on the landscape to provide a great view.

Besides its rich color and fast lateral growth rate, Floratam’s drought tolerance is good, while its wear tolerance is moderate.

It is best for lawn owners who want turf grass with little maintenance and good shade tolerance. 

6. Seville St. Augustine

• Ideal Use: Commercial and home landscapes
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Sandy soils
• Native Area: Gulf areas and the Mediterranean regions
• Shade Tolerance: Good

The Seville St. Augustine grass is considered the dwarf variant of the St. Augustine variants. It has blue-green leaves with a very fine texture that retains all seasons.

Seville St. Augustine also has great drought and shade tolerance, thus making it the best option if you have a shady lawn or backyard. 

It mostly grows in alkaline soils but can grow in various soil pH levels in coastal and inland regions. Due to its high drought tolerance, it needs very little water to thrive.

It is the best turf grass for people who want a lawn with minimal maintenance without compromising on beauty.  

7. Sapphire St. Augustine Grass

• Ideal Use: Commercial and home
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Any soil type
• Native Area: The Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean region
• Shade Tolerance: Good

Sapphire St. Augustine grass gets its name from its beauty when it flourishes on a landscape. Its fast lateral growth rate helps restore damaged or trimmed leaves and grass blades quicker.

Its unique characteristics include blue-green leaves and high drought tolerance. It grows best in subtropical areas. 

The drawback of this St. Augustine grass variety is its low disease tolerance and can easily succumb to fungus.

If you want an aesthetically pleasing lawn or landscape that can handle high foot traffic, consider the Sapphire St. Augustine turf grass. 

8. Bitter-Blue St. Augustine Grass

• Ideal Use: Home and commercial
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Sandy soil with good drainage
• Native Area: Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean
• Shade Tolerance: Good

Bitter-Blue St. Augustine is popular in Florida because it flourishes in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in warm weather and thus has an extremely high drought tolerance.

This variety also has a better shade and weather tolerance than Floratam. 

Besides its high drought tolerance, it creates beautiful lawns due to its fine and dense appearance.

However, it has low disease resistance and is prone to infections such as fungal diseases, mole crickets, chinch bugs, and cutworms. 

The Bitter-Blue is a low-grow grass variety, which means it requires little maintenance and will only need to be watered weekly. 

9. DelMar St. Augustine Grass

• Ideal Use: Home and commercial
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Sandy soil with good drainage
• Native Area: Texas, USA
• Shade Tolerance: Fair

DelMar St. Augustine is distinct from other St. Augustine grass varieties due to its emerald green color. Its leaves have a medium coarse texture and dark green color that lasts throughout winter. 

It’s best for people who want low-maintenance grass that can thrive in cold regions. As per its attributes, it requires short watering sessions and fairly short mowing.

Once established, the turf grass requires little maintenance to guarantee a beautiful lawn.

10. Evergreen St. Augustine Grass

• Ideal Use: Home and commercial
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 12
• Soil Type: Any soil with alkaline pH
• Native Area: The Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean regions
• Shade Tolerance: Excellent

As its name implies, the Evergreen St. Augustine grass variant derives its name from its characteristic of staying dark green in all seasons. It also has short and narrow blade leaves, unlike its family variants. 

The Evergreen requires minimal mowing and has a high shade tolerance. 

The only drawback is that the grass has a low tolerance to high foot traffic and can get damaged easily.

If you’ve chosen St Augustine grass for your home or commercial space, consider these weed removal tips for a green, lush, and weed-free lawn.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post St Augustine Grass Varieties and Where They Are Best Suited 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.

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 perhaps its most significant selling point is that it makes an excellent dense turf or lawn and is less vulnerable to weeds.

However, some pesky weeds can pop up in St. Augustine grass and make your lawn look unsightly, prompting you to find a solution to control them.

So, how do you kill weeds without killing St. Augustine grass?

Controlling weeds in a St. Augustine grass lawn requires a lot of thought. However, you can use the traditional methods of mowing, hand pulling, fertilizing, or herbicides.

Essentially, choose a method based on the type of weeds in your area and the type of St Augustine grass on your lawn. That will tell you the best treatment to apply and how to time it.

For example, if you go for pre-emergent weed control, the chemical you buy should not kill St. Augustine grass but only target the weed.

How to control weeds in a St. Augustine grass lawn

Controlling weeds in a St. Augustine grass lawn does not have to be challenging.

Here are some methods to kill winter weeds in St. Augustine grass without destroying them.

1. Remove weeds from St. Augustine grass by hand

Hand-pulling weeds or hand-weeding is whereby you pull one weed at a time by hand.

The method is cumbersome because it requires you to cover the entire area of your lawn and do it by hand.

But the advantage is that it can prevent any annual or perennial weeds from invading your lawn.

Besides, it is the best method for controlling the most problematic weeds without killing St. Augustine grass.

Hand-pulling is more effective if you do it regularly or immediately see a weed cropping up in your St. Augustine grass lawn.

Also, use the method when the weeds are young before setting seeds. For long-term results, consider removing the entire weed, including the rhizome, roots, tubers, and bulbs.

If a weed with a thick taproot has invaded your lawn, use a wide-bladed screwdriver or dandelion fork to remove it.

2. Mowing

Mowing St. Augustine grass is crucial to keeping the lawn tidy and preventing the growth of weeds. However, understand that mowing does not kill them.

Instead, regular mowing ensures the weeds do not set seed. If they set seed, sprouting will occur each time you mow, and it becomes more challenging to eliminate the unwanted plants.

Make sure to mow your St. Augustine grass lawn at least weekly to control weeds.

For the best results, the grass must have reached a height of between three and four inches.

Adjust the cutting length to about a third of the leaf blade if mowing causes too much stress on St. Augustine grass.

3. Apply post-emergent herbicide

You can get rid of broadleaf weeds in a St. Augustine grass lawn by applying a post-emergent herbicide.

A post-emergent treatment involves using herbicide on weeds that have already grown.

But the method is different when controlling weeds in St. Augustine grass lawn. That is because the grass is sensitive to specific chemicals found in common herbicides.

Avoid using herbicides containing 2,4-D, MSMA, MCPP, and dicamba as the active ingredient. Although these chemicals kill weeds, they destroy St. Augustine grass.

Instead, the best herbicide should contain Atrazine as the active ingredient since it will eliminate weeds without damaging your lawn.

How to keep weeds from growing in St. Augustine grass

You can prevent weeds from growing in St. Augustine grass lawn by doing the following:

1. Water your grass lawn

Watering St. Augustine grass helps keep your lawn healthy and maintains its thickness.

When St. Augustine grass is thick, it chokes out weeds and prevents them from growing.

Ensure to wet the soil to a depth of at least six inches.

2. Fertilize your lawn

Fertilizing St. Augustine grass helps ensure it gets enough nutrients to grow. But it can also supply weeds with the same nutrients.

The only difference is that it contributes to the thickness of the St. Augustine lawn. So the weeds must find a space to grow when the grass gets dense above the soil surface and root zone.

But they will not get enough sunlight to grow without space. Eventually, they will die off, leaving the grass to grow.

3. Apply pre-emergent herbicide

A pre-emergent herbicide helps prevent weeds before emerging from the soil surface. Applying the herbicide will keep the weeds from growing in a St. Augustine grass lawn.

If you encounter a lot of crabgrass, a pre-emergent herbicide will prevent the weeds from growing in the summer and spring.

What causes weeds in St. Augustine grass?

Like any other plant, weeds need enough water, sunlight, and nutrients to grow.

Therefore, when you water your lawn or apply fertilizer, weeds will have the necessary elements for growth and thus become part of the lawn.

Also, weeds will grow when you fail to water or fertilize your St. Augustine grass lawn. That is because the grass will not grow thick enough to choke out the weeds and compete for space against your good grass.

What are the common weeds in St. Augustine grass?

Different weeds can infest St. Augustine, including broadleaf, sedges, and grass weeds. The weeds that grow will depend on your area.

However, the most common weeds in St. Augustine grass include clover, chickweed, henbit, dollar weed, crabgrass, bermudagrass, and guinea grass.

Bottom line

St. Augustine grass can grow healthy and thick if you control weeds. You can use different methods to kill weeds on St. Augustine without destroying the grass.

First, you can mow the grass to prevent weeds from setting seed. Alternatively, you can hand-pull weeds from your St. Augustine grass lawn to eliminate them from the root without destroying the grass.

Next, consider fertilizing or applying pre-emergent herbicide to keep weeds from growing in St. Augustine.

Another option is to water the lawn to keep St. Augustine grass thick and choke the weeds, preventing their continued growth.

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 to control weeds in a St. Augustine grass lawn appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Many kinds of grass exist today, and they have unique characteristics that distinguish them. The most common factors are their structure and leaves.

This is what makes other types suitable for lawns while others are preferred for décor.

These are the 20 most common types of grasses, their scientific names, and photos.

1. Napier grass – Pennisetum purpureum

It’s scientifically referred to as Pennisetum purpureum or Cenchrus purpureus. Napier grass is also known as Uganda grass or elephant grass.

This kind of perennial tropical grass originally grows in the African grasslands.

The plant is popular in uncultivated land since it utilizes low nutrients and water. Napier grass is harvested for grazing and agricultural pest management.

In some instances, the grass is grown in order to improve the fertility of the soil and protect bare land against soil erosion.

2. Pampas grass – Cortaderia selloana

Pampas grass is scientifically identified as Cortaderia selloana and belongs to the Poaceae family.

It’s a native plant that grows in the southern South America region. It is named Pampas because it majorly grows in the Pampas region of South America.

Pampas grass has creamy white feathery plumes, clumps of lush and grass-like foliage. This kind of grass can be grown in your home.

Pampas is one of the most preferred types of grass for landscaping since it is considered attractive. Its plums are dried then used for decorations in interior design.

3. Lawn grass

There are various types of lawn grass, and each has its individual scientific name. Lawn grasses are categorized into either warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses. You can use these two categories to identify different types of lawn grass.

Here’s a list of the most common lawn grasses and their scientific names.

• Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)
• Fescues (Festuca)
• Zoysia grass (Zoysia)
• Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)
• Grama grass (Bouteloua)
• Turfed hair grass (Deschampsia)

Lawn grasses are mainly used for aesthetic purposes. They are planted in gardens, public spaces, and parks to give them an appealing aesthetic.

The grasses also prevent soil erosion, and control dust spread brought about by high foot traffic. Other grasses, such as Zoysia, can choke out weeds too.

4. Lemongrass – Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass is one of those plants that can be confusing since it has so many names. Scientifically, it’s referred to as Cymbopogon citratus, but locally, it has names that will require a list.

Lemongrass is also known as:

• Barbed wiregrass
• Citronella grass
• Cochin grass
• Fever grass
• Malabar grass
• Oily heads
• Silky heads.

Most of these names originated from either its appearance, function, or where it grows.

Lemongrass is native to Australia, Asia, Africa, and the tropical islands. It is significantly grown and harvested for culinary and medicinal uses. It has a strong scent that resembles that of lemons.

5. Kentucky bluegrass – Poa pratensis

You can also refer to this type of perennial grass as Common Meadow-grass and scientifically as Poa pratensis. 

Its foliage is basal with narrow v-shaped blades. The grass natively grows in North Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Kentucky bluegrass grows in ditches, roadsides, and lawns. When grown in well-drained fertile soil, it makes a valuable pasture plant. Additionally, the grass is used to set up park lawns and gardens.

However, in the native grasslands of Canada, the presence of Kentucky bluegrass indicates a disrupted and degraded landscape. Hence, it is considered an unwelcomed exotic species.

6. Silvergrass – Miscanthus

Silvergrass natively grows in the Pacific Island, Africa, and Eurasia and is scientifically named Miscanthus and has other local names like fairy grass, Eulalia, maiden grass, and morning grass.

The grass produces beautiful flowers that are large and with feathery plumes. They also have attractive foliage that starts out as green then turns to orange or bronze in autumn.

Silvergrass grows in well-drained fertile soil and in an area that receives maximum sunlight. Placing it in a shed will lead to the production of fewer flowers.

Although it can be cultivated throughout the year, it is best to plant it during autumn or spring.

7. Buffalo grass – Bouteloua dactyloides

The scientific name for buffalo grass is Bouteloua dactyloides. It natively grows in North America, especially in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The grass is short. This characteristic makes it perfect for use as a turfgrass in lawns and for forage.

Something interesting about this type of grass is that in history, settlers used buffalo grass’s sod to construct sod houses.

8. Fountain grass – Pennisetum setaceum

Fountain grass natively grows in America, Africa, Latin, Australia, and Asia. Its scientific name is Pennisetum setaceum, and it is a perennial plant. The grass is cultivated in tropical and warm temperature areas in the world.

Species of the fountain grass, such as pearl millet, are used as food crops, while others are used for grazing cattle. Some are grown as ornamental grass.

9. Perennial ryegrass – Lolium perenne

Perennial ryegrass is also locally known as ray grass, English ryegrass, or winter ryegrass. Its scientific name is Lolium perenne.

It is natively from the northern part of America, Asia, and Europe. However, perennial ryegrass is grown and naturalized all over the world.

The grass is grown on fertile soil to produce high yields for it to be used as a pasture and forage plant as well as in many pasture seed mixes. It has other benefits, such as its attractive turf that is used in lawns, baseball fields, and golf course fairways.

Compared to other cool-season grasses, perennial ryegrass can tolerate high foot traffic, making it suitable for use in schools and parks.

10. Common couch – Elymus repens

This kind of grass is scientifically referred to as Elymus repens. It has other common local names such as quick grass, scotch grass, witch grass, twitch, quack grass, and dog grass. 

Common couch grows in most parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is mainly used to control soil erosion and forage and is considered a weed in areas outside the native regions.

11. Bentgrass – Agrostis

This plant from the Poaceae family grows in temperate and cool areas in the world as well as at high altitudes in the tropical and subtropical regions.

In its native regions like North America, it is grown as forage and turf plants. In other places, it is considered a weed and an invasive species.

The grass has been bred to GMO creeping bentgrass that can be found anywhere globally. Its primary use is as lawn grass, and for this reason, bentgrass is one of the types of grass for landscaping fairways, greens, and golf courses.

Its advantages allow it to be used for turf since bentgrass has an appeasing deep green appearance, can handle foot traffic, has a shallow root system that is dense and thick for seeding and fast-growing, and can be mowed to a short length without any damage.

12. St. Augustine grass – Stenotaphrum secundatum

The botanical name for St. Augustine grass is Stenotaphrum secundatum. Its local names in Australia and South Africa are buffalo turf and buffalo grass, respectively.

It is one of the most common lawn grasses and is commonly grown in warm temperature areas like the tropical and subtropical regions.

It is the best choice of grass for pasture and ranching compared to other grasses like zoysia grass and Bermuda grass. This is because the blue-green color of its broad grass blades makes it attractive.

In addition, the grass thrives in well-drained soil and is able to maintain its color in extreme temperatures. The downside to it is St. Augustine won’t grow into thick grass under shade. Instead, the lawn will be thin and spindly.

13. Cogon grass – Imperata cylindrical

Cogon grass’s alternative names are blady grass, Japanese blood grass, and kunai grass, or if you prefer to use its scientific name, Imperata cylindrica. It is native to Asia, South Europe, Australia, Africa, and Melanesia.

Cogon grass is cultivated for its extensive uses and benefits in its native countries. In the southeast of Asia, cogon grass is used to thatch roofs of traditional houses.

It is widely grown for the purpose of covering ground in order to stabilize soil in beaches and other areas that are prone to soil erosion.

Cogon grass is also used in weaving mats and bags, paper-making, and as a traditional medicine for the Chinese.

14. Ryegrass – Lolium

The ryegrass is a turfgrass that is characterized by its bunch-like growth habit. It is natively cultivated in Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

This type of grass is naturalized in Australia, America, and the oceanic islands. Its botanical name is Lolium, and some of its species are grouped into different types of lawn grass.

Its high nutritional value makes it a good livestock feed that is used as pasture, hay, and grazing. Ryegrass is also fundamental in controlling soil erosion.

However, some of its species are regarded as weeds and threaten wheat production and the cultivation of other crops.

15. Switch grass – Pancium virgatum

Switch grass’s scientific name is Panicum virgatum. The grass natively grows in Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. It is also found in central North America along roadsides, in prairies, and native grass pastures.

It is useful in the production of biomass energy, control soil erosion, grazing, forage, and as ground cover for soil conservation.

Farmers use it in multiple ways, including as a substitute for white straw in making hay and pasture for cattle. They also use it as a substrate to grow mushrooms, livestock bedding, and straw bale housing.

16. Feather reed grass – Calamagrostis acutiflora

Feather reed grass is a perennial grass that originates from Europe. It joins the group of different grass types that are hybrids.

The grass is a hybrid of Calamagrostis epigejos and Calamagrostis arundinacea. Scientifically, it is identified as Calamagrostis acutiflora.

The grass is known for its clumping nature and its resistance to heavy storms. Feather reed grass remains upright even after a substantial amount of wing or storm blows over it.

It has various uses that include as a specimen, mass planting, and growing in borders and narrow spaces as it has an excellent vertical accent.

17. Chinese fountain – Pennisetum alopecuroides

This Asian and Australian native perennial grass is known to many by other names.

You can refer to it as foxtail fountain grass, Chinese Pennisetum, dwarf fountain grass, or swamp foxtail grass. Its scientific name is Pennisetum alopecuroides.

The grass type thrives in moist, well-drained soil and a shade that receives sunlight. Favorable conditions for the growth of the Chinese fountain is in an area where temperatures don’t fall below -5 degrees centigrade, like the coastal areas.

The color of the leaves and flowers changes with the annual seasons. The flowers are normally yellow-green but turn dark purple in summer.

Its foliage is mid-green in spring and summer, then turns yellow-brown in autumn and winter.

18. Big bluestem – Andropogon gerardi

Others call it turkey foot, tall bluestem, and bluejoint, but it is scientifically referred to as Andropogon gerardi.

This type of grass is known for its tall length and is familiar in central and eastern North America. It is cultivated in the Great Plains and grasslands.

Big bluestem’s tall appearance makes it suitable for use as cattle and horse forage as it is cut to become hay. In addition, its high protein content makes it a preferred choice for ranching by ecologists and cattle ranchers.

The grass is also popular among landscapers since it is beautiful on lawns and gardens.

19. Beach grass – Ammophila

Ammophila, commonly known as beach grass, bentgrass, or marram grass, grows in coastal regions, particularly on the North Atlantic Ocean coastal line.

Its stems creep underground, allowing it to flourish under the high winds and shifting sand conditions. The stems also stabilize and prevent erosion in the coastal region.

Back in the day, around the 18th century, beach grass was used for cattle fodder, fuel, and thatch.

Women used the grass to make mats, covers for haystacks, and whitewashing brushes. It was mainly for thatching in areas near the sea in Britain.

20. Vetiver – Chrysopogon zizanioides

The perennial bunchgrass is also known as khus, and its scientific name is Chrysopogon zizanioides. It is native to India and grows in tropical regions like Indonesia and Haiti. The grass has tall stems with long, thin, rigid leaves and purple-brownish flowers.

Vetiver grass has versatile uses in soil, food, animals, and skin. For skincare, oil is extracted from the roots and used for cosmetics to make perfumes, soaps, and creams. It is also used in Ayurvedic soap and aromatherapy.

Its leaves are fed to goats, sheep, horses, and cows for their nutritional value. Vetiver is a key ingredient in the kitchen. It is used as a flavoring agent in drinks such as milkshakes, yogurt, iced drinks, and other beverages in the form of khus syrup.

Vetiver grass also conserves soils by controlling soil erosion. This is made possible by its roots that grow downwards, stabilizing river banks, terraces, and rice paddies, eventually preventing sheet erosion.

In conclusion

Lawn grass is the most common type of grass. The most popular types of lawn grass grow depending on the season.

For example, Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass are suitable in the cool season. Others, such as zoysia grass, centipede grass, Bahia grass, and Bermuda grass, are suitable for the warm season.

Whether you are looking for the best types of grass for landscaping, fencing, or livestock, you have plenty of options to select from the above list.

Related

• Different types of lawn grass in Australia

Carter

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

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