Zoysia identification

Ron in Raleigh – posted 09 June 2009 11:59

I have enjoyed my Zoysia lawn for over 30 years. I have no idea it’s name/type. Any idea how to identify?

Turfguy_UF – posted 09 June 2009 14:23

Zoysia japonica, often called Korean or Japanese lawngrass, was introduced into the U.S. in 1895. Zoysia japonica is more cold tolerant than the other species, but is also the most coarse textured of the three species. Zoysia japonica is the only zoysiagrass species that can be established from seed.

Meyer zoysiagrass is an improved strain of Zoysia japonica. It was selected from a population of plants grown from seed by the U.S.D.A. in 1941. It was evaluated by the U.S.D.A., U.S.G.A., and state universities and released jointly by the U.S.D.A. and U.S.G.A. in 1951. The selection was named in honor of Frank N. Meyer, a plant explorer for the U.S.D.A. who made the first collection of zoysiagrass seed in Korea in 1905.

Zoysia matrella was introduced into the U.S. in 1911 from Manilla. It is chiefly a tropical and subtropical grass, but can be grown as far north as Connecticut in the U.S. Zoysia matrella grows well in moderate shade and forms a thick mat in full sun. The leaf blades of Zoysia matrella are narrow, sharply pointed and wiry. In tropical climates the grass remains green year around. But, in cooler climates it turns brown after several hard frosts and remains brown until late spring. Zoysia matrella must be propagated from sprigs and is quite slow to become established.

Emerald zoysiagrass is a hybrid between Zoysia japonica and Zoysia tenuifolia released by the U.S.D.A. and the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 1955. Emerald combines the fine texture of Zoysia tenuifolia with the cold tolerance and faster rate of spread of Zoysia japonica. Emerald is similar to Zoysia matrella in appearance and habit.

Could one of those four. Google their names and see if one matches your lawn.

Hope it helps.

TurfGuy

Turfguy_UF – posted 09 June 2009 14:29

Double Post

[This message has been edited by Turfguy_UF (edited 09 June 2009).]