Tropical Carpetgrass
Axonopus compressus · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paspaleae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Broadleaf Tropical Carpetgrass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; very poor cold tolerance; turns brown/dormant at first frost; killed by sustained freezing
About This Grass
A low-growing, coarse-textured grass that forms a dense, thick carpet-like sod. It is characterized by its bright to medium green color and wide, blunt-tipped blades that often exhibit a slightly wavy appearance. In unmowed states, it produces slender, branched seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (4-8mm), flat or slightly folded, rounded/obtuse tip (blunt), bright green color, folded vernation, short hairy ligule, no auricles, compressed/flattened sheath
Root System
Shallow fibrous root system supported by creeping stolons; rapid establishment in moist soils; moderate thatch tendency; low wear recovery due to shallow roots
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central America, West Indies, and South America; naturalized in tropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (creeping above ground with vigorous runners), mat-forming, dense spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial shade tolerant but prefers full sun; high water requirements; poor drought tolerance; prefers moist, acidic soils (pH 4.5-6.0) and high humidity
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.0 inches height; frequent mowing required in wet seasons; 2-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; low to medium maintenance
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance; low fertility requirement; competes well with weeds in moist environments
Ecological Information
Native to American tropics; provides excellent soil stabilization in high-rainfall areas; low wildlife forage value; can be invasive in disturbed wetlands; often used in low-input tropical parks