# Zoysia Grass (*Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.*)

Zoysia Grass is a thick, green grass that feels soft under your feet. It's perfect for lawns and can handle a lot of playtime!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Lawns and parks
- **Also known as:** Korean Grass, Zoysia

![Zoysia Grass](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425786/objects/5031.jpg)

## Appearance

The Zoysia Grass is known for its exceptionally dense, fine-bladed growth, forming a carpet-like turf. It typically displays a vibrant green color, which can turn golden-brown during cold or very dry periods before returning to green.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Liliopsida
- **Order:** Poales
- **Family:** Poaceae
- **Genus:** Zoysia

## Interesting facts

- It can grow happily in many soil types, from sandy beaches to heavy clay!
- Many golf courses use Zoysia Grass for its smooth, carpet-like playing surface!
- One Zoysia species traveled all the way from Asia to become popular in America!
- This grass turns golden brown in winter, then magically greens up again in spring!

## Special abilities

- **Water Saver:** Zoysia Grass can curl its leaves tightly to reduce water loss, helping it survive long periods without rain.
- **Tough Turf:** Zoysia Grass forms a super dense mat of roots and stems, allowing it to withstand heavy foot traffic and play.
- **Weed Blocker:** Its incredibly dense growth habit crowds out weeds, helping Zoysia Grass keep its patch tidy.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 5-20 cm
- **Spread:** 30-100 cm
- **Flower Size:** 0.1-0.2 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Wind

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Goat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/goat) (*Capra hircus*) — grazes on its blades in pastures
- **Eaten by:** [European Rabbit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rabbit) (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) — eats young shoots and leaves
- **Eaten by:** [Canada Goose](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goose) (*Branta canadensis*) — grazes on turf in parks and fields

## Traits

- [Grass-Like](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grass-like): Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
- [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Grasses](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/grasses)
- [Grasses, Shrubs & Bushes](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/grasses-shrubs-and-bushes)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Zoysia Grass?

Compare seed heads, stem shape, how leaves attach, and the joint where leaf meets stem. A patch of mown lawn rarely shows enough for an exact ID. Grass Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Zoysia Grass?

5-20 cm

### How wide does Zoysia Grass spread?

30-100 cm

### How big are the flowers on Zoysia Grass?

0.1-0.2 cm

### When does Zoysia Grass bloom?

Summer

### Is Zoysia Grass edible?

No

### Is Zoysia Grass toxic?

None

### What is Zoysia Grass's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Nara Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nara-park) — Kansai, JP · Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Zoysia Grass: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/zoysia-grass)