Zoysia japonica - Korean Lawngrass

Korean lawngrass is a species of creeping, mat-forming, short perennial grass that has smooth, stiff, vertical leaf blades that roll in the bud. It grows to around 0.5 mm in width, and is hairy near the base and exhibits short inflorescences. The flower-stalks grow up to about 1.75 mm, while the rising up stem internodes measure to roughly 14 mm long. Korean Lawngrass has a very coarse texture, compared to others of its genus. Its high tolerance to drought, freezing temperatures, salt, and shade make for a favorable lawn grass. An adventitious root system grounds the grass. When exposed to prolonged drought, it easily adapts by developing deeper rooting systems. Although it is tolerant to freezing temperatures, it does lose its bright green color, turning brown after frost. Korean Lawngrass needs a humid climate to survive. It does well in cool temperate zones. It is used for home lawns, parks, schoolyards, and athletic fields. Korean Lawngrass is native to S. Russian Far East to E. China and Temp. E. Asia. It is naturalized in parts of India.