Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, and Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Meyer' or 'Zenith'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5-11; excellent heat tolerance and superior cold tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
A dense, carpet-like perennial with a bright to dark green color that turns golden brown in dormancy. Features a stiff, prickly feel and slow horizontal growth. Seed heads are small, terminal spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly rolled, pointed tips, stiff texture. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to East Asia (Japan, Korea, China); well-adapted to the Transition Zone and Southern US
Growth Habit
Combination of Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; very dense, slow-spreading, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of sun. Low to moderate water needs; high drought tolerance. Adapts to wide pH range (6.0-7.0).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.5 inches. Low to medium frequency mowing. Requires 1-2 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance for dethatching.
Special Characteristics
High wear tolerance, excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, and exceptional ability to crowd out weeds due to density.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; used for soil stabilization and erosion control. Low wildlife value but provides dense cover; non-invasive in most ecosystems.