Centipedegrass

Latin Name: Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.

Growth Habit: Stoloniferous

Vernation: Folded

Leaf: Flat, smooth on both surfaces, tip moderately-pointed to blunt

Ligule: Membranous with short hairs

Auricles: Absent

Inflorescence: Spike-like raceme

Description: Centipedegrass is a low-input, warm-season turfgrass that spreads laterally by stolons. It typically performs best in acidic soils found in East Texas and is best known for its low maintenance requirements with regard to mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. However, it does not do well in shade or traffic and is often sensitive to many commercially available herbicides.

Strengths: Low mowing and fertilization requirement, low to moderate disease potential, and performs well in acidic soils.

Weaknesses: Cold tolerance, shade tolerance, traffic tolerance, high pH, and herbicide injury. High disease potential if over-fertilized and/or over-watered.

Recommended Mowing Height: 1.5 to 2 inches

Recommended Mowing Frequency: Weekly using a rotary mower

Fertilization Requirements: 1 to 2 lbs of N per 1,000 ft² per year. Single application rates should range from 0.5 to 1 lb of N per 1,000 ft² applied during the summer growing season.