Japanese Star Jasmine (Non-Grass Groundcover)
Trachelospermum asiaticum · Perennial, evergreen woody vine/groundcover
Grass Family
Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family), not Poaceae
Grass Category
Groundcover, Turf Alternative, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Minima' (Asiatic Jasmine)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11; heat tolerant; evergreen in warmer zones, may bronzing or die back in severe cold
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing evergreen groundcover with glossy, leathery leaves. While not a botanical grass, it is used as a 'grass substitute' in shady or low-traffic areas. Leaves are dark green with prominent lighter veins.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are elliptic to ovate, 1-2 inches long, opposite arrangement; shiny texture, dark green color, lacks grass features like ligules or auricles; non-parallel venation
Root System
Fibrous and stoloniferous; forms a dense, tangled mat that effectively prevents soil erosion and suppresses weeds; moderate establishment speed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to East Asia (Japan and Korea); widely used in the Southeastern United States
Growth Habit
Mat-forming, sprawling vine; spreads via creeping stems that root at nodes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to deep shade; adaptable to many light conditions; moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowed 2-3 times per year at 3-4 inches to maintain a uniform height and encourage thickness; low maintenance compared to true turfgrass
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance, salt tolerance, and deer resistance; very low traffic tolerance compared to true grass; excellent for slopes and under trees
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides cover for small reptiles and insects; non-invasive in most contexts but aggressive in growth; often used where turfgrass fails due to low light