Dormant Zoysiagrass
Zoysia japonica · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Meyer' or 'Zenith' (coarse-textured japonica)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy (tan color) when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A slow-growing, highly dense sod-forming grass. In the dormant state shown, it appears straw-colored or tan. When active, it is medium-green with a stiff, wiry texture and uniform appearance.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 2-4mm (medium-coarse); stiff texture with hairs on the upper surface near the collar; rolled vernation in the bud; leaf tip is sharp/pointed; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system mixed with thick rhizomes and stolons; very high thatch-forming tendency; slow establishment speed but forms a very tight sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
East Asia (Japan, China, Korea); adapted to transition zones and southern USA
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; forms a very dense, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than Bermuda); moderate water needs; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 1.0 to 2.5 inches; low frequency due to slow growth; 1-3 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high dethatching requirement; medium to high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance once established; low invasive potential into flower beds compared to Bermuda; high salt tolerance; excellent ability to crowd out weeds due to density.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides low wildlife value but excellent soil stabilization and erosion control; low water requirements compared to cool-season grasses in transition zones.