Zoysiagrass

Latin Name: Zoysia sp.

Growth Habit: Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous

Vernation: Rolled

Leaf: Hairy on upper surface

Ligule: Fringe of hairs

Auricles: Absent

Inflorescence: Spike with 3-12 spikelets (Z. pacifica) or 10-50 spikelets (Z. japonica and Z. matrella)

Description: Zoysiagrass is a warm-season turfgrass that spreads laterally by rhizomes and stolons, and is one of the most diverse turfgrasses available for use. This is primarily due to the fact that there are at least 11 species of zoysiagrass used as a turfgrass, with 2 species (Z. japonica and Z. matrella) being most predominate in the southern United States. Available varieties of Z. japonica typically possess coarser leaf texture and better cold tolerance relative to varieties of Z. matrella, while varieties of Z. matrella have improved shade tolerance relative to Z. japonicas. Coarser-textured varieties (Z. japonica) of zoysiagrass often perform better at higher mowing heights while the finer textured varieties  (Z. matrella) can tolerate lower mowing heights. However, reel mowers are often necessary to produce adequate turfgrass quality at low mowing heights, which should be taken into consideration during variety selection.

In addition to Z. japonica and Z. matrella varieties, there are also many available varieties that are interspecific crosses of Z. japonica x Z. matrella as well as Z. pacifica and Z. tenuifolia. The difference in appearance and management requirements that exists among these different varieties is often quite large, and therefore it is extremely important to match each variety of zoysiagrass to the appropriate environment and management capacity.

 Strengths: Shade tolerance, drought tolerance, cold tolerance, traffic tolerance, and low fertilization requirement.

Weaknesses: Thatch, slow recuperative potential, and mower blades need to be routinely sharpened due to stiff leaf blades. Also, many of the finer textured species have shallow roots which result in less drought hardiness, relative to the coarser textured Zoysia species.

Recommended Mowing Height: Home Lawns: 1-2 inches (Rotary mower); Golf and Athletic Turf: 0.5 to 1 inch (Reel mower); Putting Greens: ≤ 0.150 inches (Reel mower).

Recommended Mowing Frequency: Home Lawns: Weekly using a rotary mower; Golf and Athletic Turf: Daily to weekly using a rotary or reel mower; Putting Greens: Daily using a reel mower.

Fertilization Requirements: 1 to 3 lbs 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