Korean Lawn Grass
Zoysia japonica

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Zoysia japonica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Sunny slopes in mountains and hills all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed. No more details are given. Stem bases. No more details are given.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Frequently cultivated in warm temperate zones as a lawn grass. Plants are hardy to about -10°c and succeed outdoors in many parts of Britain.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse. Germination should take place within 2 weeks, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Lawn; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Z. pungens. non Willd. Z. pungens japonica. Osterdamia japonica.