Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica (possibly Z. tenuifolia or a hybrid) · Warm-season Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Zoysieae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, and Sports Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Emerald' or 'Zeon' given the fine-textured, needle-like leaf blades and dense growth shown in the image
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11; excellent heat tolerance; good cold tolerance for a warm-season grass; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a fine-to-medium texture. It exhibits a uniform green color during the growing season and turns a distinctive straw-colored tan during winter dormancy. It is characterized by its stiffness to the touch and relatively slow vertical growth.
Blade Characteristics
Fine blade width (approx. 1-2mm); leaf blades are relatively stiff and sharp-pointed; vernation is rolled in the bud; leaf surface may have sparse hairs; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and fibrous for a warm-season grass; utilizes both rhizomes and stolons; high thatch-forming tendency; slow establishment speed but forms a very tough, wear-resistant sod once mature.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to East Asia (Japan, Korea, China); widely adapted to the transition and southern zones of the United States.
Growth Habit
Creeping habit using both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground), forming a very dense, carpet-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but has moderate-to-high shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; requires moderate watering; excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches; low to moderate frequency due to slow growth; low vertical growth means less frequent mowing but may require a reel mower for the lowest heights; requires annual dethatching (verticutting); maintenance level is Medium.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance; highly competitive against weeds due to density; moderate salt tolerance; excellent shade tolerance for a Southern grass; prone to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) in humid conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control; low wildlife value beyond cover; highly efficient water filtration; non-invasive in most natural ecosystems but can creep into garden beds.