Zoysia Grass
Zoysia japonica · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Meyer or Zenith Zoysia (based on medium-coarse blade width and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormant brown state after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
A low-growing, uniform turfgrass with a lush, medium-green color. It is known for its extreme density and carpet-like feel underfoot. It grows slowly compared to Bermuda but creates a thick sod that crowds out weeds.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 3-5mm (medium-coarse for Zoysia), flat or slightly inward-rolling, pointed tips, stiff texture, rolled vernation, hairy ligule, and no auricles.
Root System
Deep and fibrous; includes both surface stolons and underground rhizomes. Significant thatch-forming tendency; slow establishment from seed or plugs but provides excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeast Asia and East Asia, adapted to the Transition Zone and Southern US
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; forms a very dense, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Light Shade (more shade-tolerant than Bermuda); moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance via dormancy; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.5 inches; weekly frequency; requires 2-3 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft yearly; high dethatching needs; Medium to High maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance; high resistance to most diseases; moderate salt tolerance; superior shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; very weed-resistant due to density.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides high soil stabilization and erosion control; low wildlife value in mowed turf; non-invasive in most climates due to slow lateral growth rate.