Manilagrass (Zoysia)
Zoysia matrella · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Golf Course Turf, Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Manila / Common Zoysia matrella
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, moderate cold tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses, going dormant and turning brown under frost conditions.
About This Grass
Forms a very dense, fine-to-medium textured lawn with bright to dark green color. It grows low to the ground and turns a golden-brown color during winter dormancy. Notable seed heads are slender, spike-like racemes appearing on upright stalks above the turf canopy.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-fine blades (2-3mm width), flat to slightly rolled, with pointed tips. Bright green color, rolled in the bud (vernation). Features a fringe of hairs in place of a membranous ligule, and a continuous collar region with prominent hairs at the base.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system complemented by strong rhizomes and surface stolons. Rapid establishment from plugs or sod, moderate-to-high thatch-forming tendency, providing excellent drought and wear resilience.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Southeast Asia, specifically coastal regions of India, China, and Malaysia; widely cultivated globally in tropical and warm-temperate regions.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons and rhizomes, forming an exceptionally dense, carpet-like turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate watering needs once established, with high drought tolerance (enters dormancy during severe drought). Prefers well-drained loamy to sandy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 0.75 to 2.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during the active growing season. Moderate fertilizer needs (2-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Requires periodic dethatching and aeration. Overall maintenance level is Medium.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, good recovery via stolons, moderate shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses, high salt tolerance, and excellent ability to crowd out weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced species outside its native Asian range. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense root and stolon mat. Used extensively in residential lawns, golf course fairways, and athletic fields.