Science · Turfgrasses
Zoysiagrass
A dense, slow-growing carpet with excellent wear and moderate shade tolerance — prized on fairways, tees and upscale landscapes.
Zoysia japonica / matrella · Warm-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Transition zone and south; USDA 6–10
- Sun
- Full sun to light shade
- Mowing height
- 0.5–2 in
- Spread
- Stolons and rhizomes; slow
- Dormancy
- Earlier fall browning than bermuda
- pH
- 6.0–7.0
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~18–26%
- Salinity tolerance
- Good
- Drought tolerance
- Good
Thatch builds quickly; excess water encourages large patch.
Problems to watch
- Large patch
- Billbugs
- Hunting billbug
- Thatch buildup
Stress signs
- Leaf rolling
- Straw-colored patches
- Slow recovery from divots
Where you'll find it
- Fairways and tees
- Premium residential and commercial
- Resort grounds
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.