Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Zoysieae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Zoysia (possible 'Meyer' or 'Zenith' based on leaf texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-11; excellent heat tolerance; superior cold tolerance for a warm-season grass; enters straw-brown dormancy after first heavy frost.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a stiff, wiry feel. It turns straw-colored during winter dormancy and provides a medium-green to emerald color during the growing season. It is known for its ability to choke out weeds due to its extreme density.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (approx. 2-4mm); shapes are flat to slightly rolling; pointed tips; color is medium green; vernation is rolled in the bud; features a fringe of hairs for a ligule and no auricles; stiff leaf texture with prominent hairs on the upper surface near the base.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system supported by high-tensile rhizomes and stolons; produces significant thatch but provides excellent drought resistance and moderate wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
East Asia (Japan, China, Korea); adapted to transition zones and southern United States.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and stoloniferous; forms a very dense, carpet-like sod that spreads slowly but aggressively.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Bermuda); requires 4-6 hours of sun; moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height is 1.0 to 2.5 inches; low frequency due to slow growth; requires 1-3 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high dethatching needs; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance; highly resistant to most diseases (except Large Patch); high salt tolerance; superior weed suppression; known for 'stiff' blades that make it difficult to mow with dull blades.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides excellent erosion control and soil stabilization; low wildlife value compared to native bunchgrasses; can be mildly invasive in flower beds via underground rhizomes.