Turfgrasses are listed here alphabetically by common name. Names can vary among locations, so refer to the accompanying list of scientific names when uncertain about common ones.

TURFGRASSES

Common name Scientific name

Annual ryegrass* Lolium multiforum

Bermudagrass (common) Cynodon dactylon

Bermudagrass (hybrid) Cynodon spp.

Colonial bentgrass Agrostis tenuis

Creeping bentgrass Agrostis palustris

Dichondra= Dichondra micrantha

Highland bentgrass Agrostis spp. cv”Highland”

Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis

Kikuyugrass Pennisetum clandestinum

Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne

Red fescue Festuca rubra

Seashore paspalum Paspalum vaginatum

St. Augustinegrass Stenotaphrum secundatum

Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea

Weeping alkaligrass Puccinellia distans

Zoysiagrass Zoysia spp.

* Annual ryegrass is both annual and inferior in generally recognized turfgrass characteristics; therefore, it is not ranked here with the other turfgrass species. It is, however, commonly used to overseed winter-dormant warm season turfgrasses or where a temporary vegetative cover is needed.

= Although considered a perennial “broadleaf” and not a grass, Dichondra can be maintained as a lawn in regions where warm summer turfgrasses are adapted.