Centipede Grass
Eremochloa ophiuroides · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Andropogoneae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Centipede (likely native to local residential developement; possibly TifBlair)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; poor cold tolerance; prone to winter kill in upper transition zones; enters dormant brown state in winter
About This Grass
A low-growing, Apple-green turf grass that forms a thick sod. Often called 'Lazy Man's Grass' due to slow vertical growth. It remains light green throughout summer and turns brown immediately after the first hard frost.
Blade Characteristics
Medium texture (3-5mm); flat blades with a blunt/rounded tip; light green to yellowish-green color; folded vernation; short, hairy ligule; no auricles; constricted collar
Root System
Shallow fibrous root system; spreads via creeping stolons; slow establishment from seed; low thatch tendency if not over-fertilized
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Southeast Asia and China; common in the Southeastern United States
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads by thick above-ground runners); slow growth rate forming a dense, low mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to partial shade (requires at least 6 hours of sun); moderate water needs but sensitive to drought due to shallow roots; prefers acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0)
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.5-2.0 inches; low mowing frequency; low fertilization (1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year); low maintenance overall
Special Characteristics
Excellent 'weed-smothering' density when healthy; sensitive to high pH (iron chlorosis) and over-fertilization; poor wear tolerance; limited salt tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides ground cover for soil stabilization; low wildlife value; generally non-invasive in natural woodlands but persistent in residential landscapes