Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is a Warm Season grass.  Zoysia grass used for turf is available in three species, Japonica, Matrella, and Tenuifolia.  Zoysia Tenuifolia is a very fine bladed grass, has a low cold tolerance, and is usually used only as a ground cover in Southern California.  Therefore, it is not recommended as a turf grass.

Zoysia Japonica has a medium to high shade tolerance.  Its water requirement is medium compared to other Warm Season grasses.

Zoysia Japonica grass has a medium to high tolerance to salinity, and a high tolerance to cold. Additionally it has a high tolerance to traffic, and has a medium to low disease potential.  .  Zoysia Japonica grass should be mowed every seven to ten (7-10) days, and should be maintained at a height of one inch to one and one-half inches (1.0” – 1.5”).

Zoysia Japonica is the only Zoysia variety that can be grown from seed.  It can also be grown from sprigs or from sod.

Zoysia Matrella also has a medium to high tolerance to shade.  Its water requirement is medium compared to other Warm Season grasses.

Zoysia Matrella grass has a medium tolerance to salinity, and a medium tolerance to cold.  Its tolerance to traffic is medium, and its disease potential is medium to low.  Zoysia Matrella grass should be mowed at a height of one-half inch to one inch (0.5” – 1.0”), and should be mowed every five to seven (5-7) days.

Zoysia Matrella grass can be grown from sprigs or from sod, it is not available in seed form.

Zoysia grasses is a very versatile species, and are used for lawns, golf courses, parks and athletic fields.  They are tolerant to all types of soil including sand, loam, and clay.  Additionally, they do well in both acidic and alkaline soils.  Zoysia grasses are found along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Connectict, and along the Gulf Coast, and California.