Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass is the common name for turf grasses in the genus Zoysia. These warm-season grasses spread through surface runners and underground stems, producing dense turf. Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella are species names; Meyer and Zeon are names of cultivated selections.123
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The plant can feel stiff under the hand. NC State describes upright hairs on its leaves as one feature distinguishing zoysiagrass from bermudagrass. Wear resistance does not mean rapid repair: its slow growth can leave damaged areas taking longer to recover.12
Meyer was released in 1951. A USGA research summary identifies it as a Zoysia japonica cultivar valued for freezing tolerance in the transition zone. That history belongs to a particular cultivated selection, not to every member of the genus.3
The same research describes a practical tradeoff: Meyer establishes and repairs divots slowly, and its leaves are coarser than those of Zoysia matrella cultivars. Researchers at Texas A&M and Kansas State began collaborating in 2004 to combine improved turf quality with winter hardiness.3
How a grass is planted also depends on the cultivar. NC State lists Zenith and Compadre as seed-available choices, while many other zoysiagrasses are normally established vegetatively, using sod or plugs. A familiar common name alone does not tell a superintendent how the turf will grow or be propagated.2
At a glance
Sources
- NC State Extension TurfFilesZoysiagrass
- NC State ExtensionZoysiagrass Lawn Maintenance Calendar
- USGA2019 USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary