Zoysia japonica, commonly known as Zoysia Grass or Japanese Lawn Grass, is a warm season grass native to southeast Asia. It is one of eight species of creeping grasses in the Zoysia genus. Of those species, Z. japonica is known for its coarser texture, faster growth rate, and greater cold tolerance.
Zoysia Grass has been cultivated in Japan since at least the 12th century A.D., but it is known in the U.S. as Manila Grass because Zoysia matrella was introduced to America from that country in 1911 by the botanist C.V. Piper. Z. japonica is commonly known as Japanese Lawn Grass or Korean Lawn Grass, but these common names have not been applied to all Zoysia Grasses, despite Z. japonica having been introduced to the U.S. from China 16 years before Z. matrella.
Zoysia Grass is a popular landscape grass because of its disease resistance and tolerance of drought and wear. Z. japonica can be grown further north than other species, but Zoysia Grass in general will not tolerate cold. Z. japonica is also the only Zoysia species that can be propagated via seeds rather than vegetatively.Zoysia Grass is a slow grower and will not recover quickly from damage. However, its blades roll quickly under drought conditions, allowing it to conserve moisture and endure dry periods.
Zoysia Grass propagated vegetatively will produce higher quality grass than if grown from seed. Zoysia Grass tolerates a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions, but does need well drained soil. If considering Zoysia Grass for your lawn, make sure it will be able to tolerate your region's coldest weather.