Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass and Sports Turf
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 11. Excellent cold tolerance for a warm-season grass, surviving well in the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Meyer (Z-52)
About This Grass
Forms a dense, stiff, emerald-green turf that turns light brown/straw-colored during winter dormancy. When unmowed, it can reach 6 to 12 inches, but it is typically maintained low. Texture is medium-fine compared to ultra-fine zoysias like Zoysia matrella.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-3mm), flat to slightly rolled, pointed tips, bright green to medium green color, rolled in the bud (vernation). Features a very short membranous ligule with hairs and lacks auricles.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to several feet deep once established, though initial establishment is slow. Forms a very heavy thatch layer and an extremely dense sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal China, Japan, and Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in the United States, especially the transition zone and southern regions.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, carpet-like turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Bermuda grass). Moderate watering needs once established, excellent drought tolerance by entering dormancy during extreme dry periods.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 1 to 2 inches using a reel or sharp rotary mower. Medium maintenance level; requires regular dethatching due to dense thatch buildup, and moderate fertilization (2-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, excellent ability to crowd out weeds once fully established, moderate salt tolerance, and good disease resistance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its dense mat and deep root system, though it has limited wildlife food value.