Carabao Grass (Paspalum conjugatum): Uses & Growing Guide

Carabao grass (Paspalum conjugatum) is a creeping perennial grass commonly found in the Philippines and other tropical regions. It can be used as lawn grass and ground cover, and it is also found in pastures and used as forage for livestock.

One important detail is often overlooked: carabao grass is not native to the Philippines or Southeast Asia. Botanical references place Paspalum conjugatum in tropical and subtropical America. The species was introduced to many tropical regions, including the Philippines, where it is now widespread and naturalized.

Whether you found it growing naturally in your yard, are considering it for a lawn, or want to know whether it is suitable as animal forage, this guide covers what carabao grass is, how to identify it, where it grows, its uses, and how to manage it.

Last reviewed: October 5, 2026

Carabao Grass Quick Facts

What Is Carabao Grass?

Carabao grass is a common name for Paspalum conjugatum, a perennial grass in the family Poaceae. It has a creeping growth habit and produces stolons that spread horizontally and can root at their nodes.

Plants of the World Online from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew recognizes Paspalum conjugatum as an accepted species and gives its native range as tropical and subtropical America. Kew lists the Philippines among the places where the species has been introduced.

Today, carabao grass is widespread in tropical environments. Its ability to spread along the ground is useful when dense vegetation is wanted, but the same characteristic can make it a troublesome weed in crops and other areas where it is not wanted.

Why Is It Called Carabao Grass?

The name “carabao grass” is closely associated with the Philippines and with the plant’s use as forage for carabaos, or water buffalo. The connection is practical rather than botanical: Paspalum conjugatum is a grass that is eaten by livestock and has traditionally been used in pasture and forage systems.

University and agricultural references describe the grass as carabao grass and document its use as forage. The University of Santo Tomas plant database, for example, notes that the local English name is associated with its traditional use as forage for carabaos.

The name should not be taken to mean that carabaos are its only consumers or that the grass is exclusively associated with water buffalo. Paspalum conjugatum is also used for grazing and cut-and-carry systems involving other livestock.

There is also some potential confusion because Paspalum conjugatum is known by several other common names, including buffalo grass, sour paspalum, sour grass, and T-grass. Because common names vary by country, the scientific name is the best way to make sure you are researching the right species.

How to Identify Carabao Grass

Several features can help distinguish carabao grass from other grasses commonly found in Philippine yards, farms, and roadsides.

Creeping reddish-purple stems

The plant develops long, creeping stems or stolons that run along the ground. The stems can have a reddish-purple color, and the nodes are often hairy.

The nodes are particularly important because they can develop roots and new shoots. This allows the grass to spread from one point into a much larger patch.

Flat leaves

The leaves are flat and generally linear to lance-shaped. PhilRice describes the leaf blades and sheaths as hairy, with a membranous leaf sheath and a fringed ligule.

Distinctive two-branched seed head

The flowering stem has a characteristic inflorescence made up of two slender, diverging branches. When flowering, this can give the grass a noticeable T-shaped or forked appearance.

PhilRice’s Philippine rice-field weed guide identifies Paspalum conjugatum by its long-creeping reddish-purple stems, hairy nodes, flat leaves, and two terminal slender branches.

How tall does carabao grass get?

Carabao grass can stay relatively low when regularly mowed or grazed, but its flowering stems are taller. Feedipedia describes the culms as approximately 30 to 60 centimeters high, with the potential to become more erect as they mature.

Where Does Carabao Grass Grow?

Carabao grass is especially common in warm, humid tropical environments. It occurs in places such as roadsides, river and stream edges, disturbed land, plantations, pastures, and cultivated areas.

It can tolerate both open conditions and moderate shade. It is also capable of growing across a range of soils, including acidic soils.

Feedipedia describes Paspalum conjugatum as common in hot, humid areas and notes its presence in open to moderately shaded plantation environments.

In the Philippines, the species is documented in rainfed lowland ricefields and other agricultural areas. This is one reason you may encounter it growing naturally rather than as an intentionally planted lawn.

For broader advice on choosing plants and managing a home garden, see our complete gardening guide for home gardeners.

Uses of Carabao Grass

Carabao grass is one of those plants whose value depends on where it is growing. It can be useful in a lawn or pasture while being undesirable in a cultivated crop.

Lawn grass

Paspalum conjugatum is suitable for lawns in tropical environments. Its creeping growth allows it to form ground cover, and it can tolerate mowing and foot traffic.

That does not mean it is the best turf grass for every garden. Its tendency to spread beyond a defined area can make it more difficult to manage in highly landscaped yards.

Ground cover

The plant’s stolons allow it to spread over exposed soil and form dense growth. This makes it useful as ground cover in appropriate situations.

A dense grass cover can help reduce exposed soil and surface disturbance, but the effectiveness of any grass as erosion control depends on factors such as slope, rainfall, soil conditions, and overall vegetation cover.

Pasture and livestock forage

Carabao grass is used in tropical pasture and cut-and-carry systems. FAO describes it as a creeping perennial grass used in pasture systems, including under coconut plantations.

Its forage quality, however, should be described realistically. Feedipedia considers Paspalum conjugatum relatively low in nutritive value in Southeast Asia and the Pacific and notes that palatability declines as the plant matures and flowers.

It can still be a useful forage, particularly when managed for younger regrowth. Feedipedia also reports that the grass tolerates heavy grazing and frequent cutting.

Ground cover in agricultural areas

Carabao grass can cover bare ground aggressively, which can be helpful in some situations but problematic in cultivated fields.

PhilRice classifies Paspalum conjugatum as a perennial weed in rainfed lowland ricefields in the Philippines. It can therefore be a useful pasture species in one setting and a crop weed in another.

Is Carabao Grass Good for Lawns?

Carabao grass can be a practical lawn grass in a tropical climate, particularly when you want a spreading grass that can tolerate some shade and regular mowing.

Its main advantages include its perennial growth, creeping habit, ability to form ground cover, and tolerance of mowing and foot traffic.

The main drawback is its spreading nature. Stolons can move beyond the intended lawn and into flower beds, garden paths, vegetable plots, or neighboring areas.

For a relatively informal or low-maintenance lawn, that may be acceptable. For a highly manicured landscape where the lawn must stay within clearly defined boundaries, a different turf grass may be easier to control.

How to Grow Carabao Grass

Carabao grass can reproduce through both seeds and stem cuttings. Its natural stolon-forming habit also makes vegetative establishment practical.

1. Choose a suitable location

Choose a warm location with adequate moisture. Carabao grass is well suited to tropical environments and can tolerate open conditions as well as moderate shade.

Although it grows in humid locations, that does not mean the planting site should remain waterlogged. Good drainage is still important for a healthy growing area.

2. Prepare the planting area

Clear large weeds, stones, and debris before planting. A reasonably clean soil surface makes it easier for new stems to establish contact with the ground.

There is also little reason to apply large amounts of fertilizer without knowing whether the soil actually lacks nutrients. When soil fertility is uncertain, testing is a better starting point than automatically increasing fertilizer.

Our guide on improving soil health covers the broader principles of creating better growing conditions.

3. Establish it from stems

Stem pieces with viable nodes can be planted directly into prepared soil. Because the nodes can root, they can develop into new plants and gradually spread.

Keep newly established planting adequately moist while it develops roots. Once the grass has established itself, watering can be adjusted according to rainfall, soil conditions, and the intended use of the area.

4. Give it time to spread

Do not expect complete coverage immediately. New plants need time to root and produce additional stolons.

Once established, however, the grass can spread efficiently under suitable conditions.

Carabao Grass Care and Maintenance

Watering

Newly planted carabao grass benefits from consistent moisture while it establishes. Established plants can tolerate relatively dry periods, although performance depends on local conditions.

Rather than following a rigid watering schedule, consider rainfall, soil moisture, and how the grass is responding.

Mowing

Regular mowing can keep a carabao grass lawn lower and more uniform. The grass tolerates mowing and foot traffic, which helps explain its use as turf.

For forage, keeping the grass relatively young is also useful because palatability decreases as it matures and flowers.

Very aggressive mowing is unnecessary. Removing too much foliage repeatedly can stress the plant and may increase maintenance rather than reduce it.

Fertilization

Fertilize according to the needs of the site rather than assuming that more fertilizer will produce a better lawn. Soil testing is useful when nutrient deficiencies are suspected.

Over-fertilization can encourage excessive growth and increase mowing requirements.

Keeping the grass within boundaries

If you are deliberately growing carabao grass as a lawn, check the edges regularly. Remove creeping stems that have crossed into flower beds, paths, planting areas, or other locations where you do not want the grass.

How to Control Carabao Grass

When carabao grass is growing where it is unwanted, early control is generally easier than clearing a large established patch.

Remove the creeping stems

For small areas, hand removal can be effective. Remove the creeping stems and rooted portions rather than simply cutting off the leaves.

This matters because nodes along the creeping stems can produce new roots and shoots.

Edge lawn borders

Regular edging can help keep a carabao grass lawn from spreading into adjoining garden beds and pathways.

Monitor disturbed areas

Keep an eye on bare or recently disturbed soil, particularly around cultivated areas and garden borders. Removing young plants before they form a dense patch is usually easier than dealing with established growth.

In crop production, control should be based on the crop and growing system. PhilRice identifies carabao grass as a perennial weed in Philippine ricefields, so its management is particularly important where it competes with crops.

Is Carabao Grass Good for Livestock?

Yes. Carabao grass is used as forage for livestock in tropical regions, including grazing and cut-and-carry systems.

It is particularly associated with pasture systems under crops such as coconut. Its ability to tolerate grazing and frequent cutting makes it useful in managed pasture.

However, it should not be described as exceptionally nutritious on its own. Feedipedia classifies its nutritive value as relatively low in Southeast Asia and the Pacific and reports relatively low protein levels compared with higher-quality forage species.

Palatability also decreases after flowering. For that reason, managing the grass for younger regrowth can make it more useful as forage.

For livestock owners, the practical takeaway is that carabao grass can be part of a forage system, but its value depends on growth stage, management, and the other feeds available to the animals.

Carabao Grass vs. Buffalo Grass

The names can be confusing because Paspalum conjugatum is also known by English common names such as buffalo grass, sour grass, sour paspalum, and T-grass.

Carabao grass and North American buffalograss are not the same species.

Paspalum conjugatum is the tropical grass discussed in this article. North American buffalograss is Bouteloua dactyloides, a different species native to North America.

When researching lawn care online, always check the scientific name because information published under the common name “buffalo grass” may refer to a completely different plant.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Carabao Grass

Frequently Asked Questions About Carabao Grass

What is the scientific name of carabao grass?

The scientific name of carabao grass is Paspalum conjugatum P.J.Bergius. It belongs to the Poaceae, or grass, family.

Is carabao grass native to the Philippines?

No. Kew gives the native range of Paspalum conjugatum as tropical and subtropical America. The Philippines is listed within its introduced range.

Why is it called carabao grass?

“Carabao grass” is a common name used for Paspalum conjugatum, particularly in the Philippines and other regions where the grass is associated with livestock and pasture. The plant is also known by several other common names, including buffalo grass and sour paspalum.

How do you identify carabao grass?

Look for long creeping stems, often reddish-purple, hairy nodes, flat leaves, and a distinctive seed head with two slender diverging branches. The scientific name is the most reliable way to confirm identification.

Can carabao grass grow in shade?

Yes. It can tolerate moderate shade, although growth still depends on available light, moisture, soil conditions, and competition from other plants.

How does carabao grass spread?

It spreads through creeping stolons that can root at the nodes. It can also reproduce through seeds.

Is carabao grass good for lawns?

It can be a suitable lawn grass in tropical areas. It tolerates mowing and foot traffic and can spread to form ground cover. Its main disadvantage for landscaped yards is its tendency to spread beyond defined boundaries.

Is carabao grass a weed?

It depends on where it grows. It can be useful as lawn grass, ground cover, pasture, and forage, but PhilRice identifies it as a perennial weed in Philippine ricefields.

Is carabao grass good for carabaos?

Yes. Carabao grass is used as livestock forage, including in pasture systems. Its usefulness is greater when it is managed as younger regrowth because palatability decreases as the grass matures.

Can carabao grass be grown from seed?

Yes. PhilRice lists both seeds and stem cuttings as means of reproduction.

How do you get rid of carabao grass?

For small areas, remove the creeping stems and rooted portions manually. Regular edging can help contain the grass when it is being used as a lawn. Larger infestations in agricultural areas require a control approach appropriate for the particular crop and site.

Final Thoughts

Carabao grass (Paspalum conjugatum) is a versatile tropical grass with a somewhat complicated reputation. It can serve as a lawn, ground cover, pasture, and livestock forage, but its ability to spread also makes it a common weed in cultivated areas.

For homeowners in the Philippines, the right choice depends on where the grass will grow and how much maintenance you want to do. It can be a practical option for an informal tropical lawn, but its creeping growth means that regular edging and monitoring may be necessary.

Understanding its scientific name is also useful when researching the plant because common names such as “carabao grass” and “buffalo grass” can refer to different species in different regions.

For more practical advice on growing and maintaining plants in the Philippines, see our complete gardening guide.

Sources and Further Reading

The botanical identity, origin, distribution, identification characteristics, and agricultural uses discussed in this article were checked against established botanical and agricultural references.

• Paspalum conjugatum – Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Paspalum conjugatum – Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)
• Buffalo grass (Paspalum conjugatum) – Feedipedia
• Paspalum conjugatum – FAO pasture and coconut systems reference

For more practical gardening information, visit our complete gardening guide for related advice on choosing plants, soil, watering, and garden maintenance.

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Lara Sacdalan

Lara is a freelance content writer and a cat mom to three furbabies, Mizu, Haru and Sora.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and is a registered and licensed Architect. Aside from writing, she is fond of growing cacti and succulents and is a DIY type of girl.

During her free time, she engages herself in water-colouring and crocheting, while catching-up with an old tv series she just discovered. Lara loves to explore new places, but most of the time stays in her hometown province, reading historical romance novels over a cup of coffee – or matcha.