Zoysia japonica (commonly known as Korean lawngrass, Zoysiagrass or Japanese lawngrass) is a species of creeping, mat-forming, short perennial grass that grows by both rhizomes and stolons. It is native to the coastal grasslands of southeast Asia and Indonesia. The United States was first introduced to Z. japonica in 1895. It received its first import from the Chinese region of Manchuria. Today, Z. japonica has become one of the most widely used species of turfgrass in the United States, serving as a close alternative to bermudagrass.
Video Zoysia japonica
Morphology/characteristics
Zoysia japonica has smooth, stiff, vertical leaf blades, that roll in the bud. They grow to approximately 0.5 mm width. It is hairy near the base and exhibits short inflorescence. Its pedicles grow to approximately 1.75 mm, while the ascending culm internodes measure to be approximately 14 mm long. Z. japonica 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 it's bright green color, turning brown after frost.
Maps Zoysia japonica
Climate and regions
Zoysia japonica needs a humid climate to survive. It does well in cool temperate zones, transition zones, and warm temperate or marine zones. It was originally cultivated such climates in China, Japan, and Korea. In the United States, it is cultivated South of Connecticut, along the Atlantic Coast, and along the Gulf Coast to Texas. In Australia it is cultivated along the northeastern coastline.
Cultivation
Although Z. japonica is one of the only Zoysia species that can be seeded, it has a lengthy germination rate of at least a month, and therefore, vegetative planting is the primary form of cultivation. Z. japonica seeds require a moist environment and a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate, and therefore sod, sprigs, and plugs are less prohibitive methods of planting. Nevertheless, sod is sold at a steep price. Although it can be planted at almost every time of the year, late Summer is discouraged.
Upkeep of Z. japonica varies based on usage purposes, in general requiring a moderate level of nitrogen fertilizer to keep its density. Treatment should be planned for early Spring or late Fall. On average, it requires 1.0-1.5 inches of irrigation a week. Experts suggest that it is mowed to a height of 0.5-2.5 inches every 5-10 days. Z. japonica is nearly resistant to disease, yet is subject to insect attack from white grubs.
Cultivars
El Toro and Belair are the newest cultivars of Z. japonica from the USDA. They are coarser, and have the ability to spread faster.
Other cultivars:
- Meyer
- Midwest
- Palisades
- JaMur
- Empire
- Zenith
- Compadre
Uses
Zoysia japonica is most commonly used as turfgrass. It is often used on golf course fairways, teeing grounds, and roughs. It is also used for home lawns, parks, schoolyards, and athletic fields. Landscapers utilize Z. japonica as a buffer around flower beds or sand pits to keep invasive species out.
There are accounts of it being used for horse pastures in Japan, as well as for Christian burial tombs in Korea.
Zoysia japonica makes up a large part of Sika deer diets. They graze on the seeds that are produced at the top of the grass. This has been widely observed on the island of Kinkasan in north-eastern Japan.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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