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The grass is the other large group of upholstery plants used to cover large areas of meadow. We say that it is the other large group because the best known upholstery plants when covering land surfaces are lawns. Although this is the case, the truth is that grass can be a very good option in certain circumstances due, above all, to its differences with grass. The most important of them are its greater resistance to traffic and the fact that in winter its aerial part dries up completely, ceasing to need care during that time but growing green again with the return of the warm months.
If you want to learn more about the different types of grass that exist and how to choose the most suitable for each need, keep reading us in this article by Ecologist Verde.
Cynodon dactylon
Can't talk about the different types of grass not to mention the Cynodon dactylon, also called bermuda grass or fine grass. The first of these names is given by the great abundance of this plant in the Bermuda area. It is a species that has its origin in southern Europe and northern Africa.
Its leaves, short and with an erect stem, show a shade of green that tends to gray, being able to acquire intense shades of green when they receive sufficient watering. It is characterized by developing very deep roots that can reach up to 2 meters underground, although they usually remain around 60 cm. Its stems are crawling, and they advance in such a way that they are constantly expanding through the available surface. It needs temperatures of at least 15ºC, although its optimum growth range is between 25 to 37ºC.
Pennisetum clandestinum
This grass is also called African grass or Kikuyo, and it is a tropical species It has its origin in East Africa. Due to the rapid growth that it can present when conditions are optimal for it, in the USA it is considered an invasive species in some parts.
The meadow that forms especially resistant to dry seasons and it is dangerous as an invasive species due to its ability to release herbicidal toxins, which prevent the growth of other plants around it. It is highly appreciated for the intensity of the green it offers, in addition to forming a meadow that is highly resistant to traffic and water scarcity. It can grow in areas with little light, although it does best when it receives its direct impact.
Paspalum notatum
Also called bay grass, this grass can be easily recognized by its inflorescences, which take the form of v-shaped spike. It is one of the types of grass which are quite thick and coarse, which needs temperatures above 20 ºC to develop.
However, although it does not tolerate low temperatures, it does resist very high temperatures and drought conditions extraordinarily well, which is why it is highly recommended for especially dry and hot areas.
Stenotaphrum secundatum
This grass is also called grass, American grass, St. Augustine grass and Catalan grass. It is used especially in coastal areas, since it is a species with great resistance to areas with high salinity, in places where the wind brings a large amount of salt from the sea and it is very difficult to grow anything else.
It is also very resistant to the absence of light, being this one of the most recommended when covering meadows with many hours of shade. In addition, being one of the coarser grasses and robust, it is often used to cover meadows that will have to withstand a lot of traffic, such as parks or gardens of homes with children.
Other types of grass
Besides types of grass explained before and artificial turf, these are other natural types.
- Centipede grass or Eremochloa ophiuroides.
- Grama Zoysia or Zoysia tenuifolia.
- Japanese grass.
- Petate grass.
How to choose the type of grass
As you have seen, there are different types of grass with quite different characteristics. If you need to cover an area that will withstand little traffic, where the sun shines for much of the day and in an area with a warm temperate climate, you can basically use the grass that you like the most considering its appearance.
But these optimal conditions rarely exist, so it will almost always be necessary to take into account environmental conditions: if the temperatures are too high or too low, if the traffic is going to be a great punishment for the vegetation, if we are going to be able to water it often or if there are factors such as the salinity of the coast.
According to all these factors and seeing the characteristics of the types of grass described, it will not be difficult for you to find the best type of grass for your garden or field. Also, if you are thinking of making a garden in your home or fixing a neglected garden, we recommend this other post in which we explain How to make an ecological garden.
We also recommend that you consult this guide from Green Ecologist on How to plant grass so that, once you choose the best type, you can easily do it in your garden or field.
If you want to read more articles similar to 8 types of grass, we recommend that you enter our category of Outdoor Plants.
