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Paspalum vaginatum (Saltwater couch)

Other names: Saltine, Saltine grass, Saltene grass, Biscuit grass, Swamp couch, Seashore paspalum, Silt grass, Panicum vaginatum, Digitaria vaginata, Sanguinaria vaginata, Paspalum distichum var. vaginatum, Paspalum distichum subsp. vaginatum

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Species
P. vaginatum is a mat-formig, rhizomatous or stoloniferous, stem-rooting, evergreen perennial with flat, linear, blue-green leaves and, from late spring to late summer, a flower panicle with a pair of racemes bearing flattened oval to lance-shaped, green flower spikelets, often with prominent pink or dark purple, fluffy stigmas. Flowers are followed by green seeds turning grey when ripe.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
0.8 m 0.5 m 1-2 years
2 ft 1 ft 1-2 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
  • Clay
Soil drainage
  • Moisture-retentive
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Boggy damp conditions
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moist or moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods. Tolerates flooding, light shade, foot traffic, and salt. Suitable for use as golf course turf or erosion control, particularly in coastal sites. Reportedly has the highest salt tolerance than any other turf grass.

Suggested uses

Sub-Tropical, Wildlife, Lawn, Coastal, Banks and Slopes, Meadow, Sports turf

UK hardiness

H4

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11, Zone 12

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Moderate/Medium
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Moderate/Medium
South Inland = Moderate/Medium
High and Intermediate Desert = Moderate/Medium
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Mat-forming

Native to

Central America, Southeastern United States, South America

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

Yes

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

If grown as a lawn, make sure mower blades are kept sharp.

Propagation methods

Seed, Division

Propagation

Sow seed in situ from late spring to midsummer in well-prepared soil. Sow no deeper than 3cm (1/4"). Water regularly to establish.

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Susceptible to fungus diseases.

Divide and replant in spring

Plant container grown plants in a sunny postion

Plant in fertile, moisture retentive soil

Remember to water your lawn in dry periods

Repair tools in preparation for spring

Protect grass during the colder months

Scarify your lawn now

Spring fertilise lawn

Summer fertilise lawn

Remember to mow your lawn

Aerate and top-dress your lawn

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (1)

Paspalum

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Paspalum vaginatum
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Paspalum vaginatum Saltwater couch
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