Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Zoysieae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely Zenith or Meyer-type common Zoysia japonica (notable for medium-coarse texture and cold hardiness compared to Z. matrella)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-11; Excellent heat tolerance and superior cold tolerance for a warm-season grass; enters dormant straw-colored stage after first hard frost.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turfgrass with a stiff, prickly feel. It features a medium to light green color, turning a distinct straw-brown during winter dormancy. When unmowed, it reaches 6-12 inches; maintained, it is famous for its uniformity and high density.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 2-4mm (medium); Shape: Flat or slightly rolled; Tip: Pointed and sharp; Color: Medium green; Vernation: Rolled in the bud; Ligule: A fringe of short hairs; Auricles: Absent; Collar: Continuous with long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons; high thatch-forming tendency; slow establishment from seed or plugs; excellent soil-holding capability and drought recovery once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim; well-adapted to the Transition Zone and Southern United States
Growth Habit
Combination of Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground); forms a very dense, carpet-like mat at a slow to moderate rate
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (highly shade tolerant for a warm-season grass, needing 4-6 hours sun); Moderate water needs but excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots; Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 1.0-2.5 inches; Frequency: Weekly during summer; Fertilization: 1-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; High dethatching needs (vertical mowing) every 2-3 years; Maintenance level: Medium (slow growth means less mowing but thatch management is critical).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and traffic resistance; very high salt tolerance; high shade tolerance relative to Bermuda; strong ability to crowd out weeds once dense; resistant to most common pests but susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia).
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides excellent erosion control and soil stabilization; low wildlife value for food but provides cover; non-invasive compared to Bermuda; often used as a monoculture or blended with other Zoysia cultivars.