An improved variety of Pensacola bahiagrass. It retains many of the characteristics of Pensacola except that Tifton 9 yielded 47% more forage in tests over a 3 year period. It is much more vigorous in the seedling stage, grows more upright, has longer leaves, is more succulent (palatable). Tifton 9 establishes faster and provides 40 to 45% more cattle carrying capacity.