©Dolezal Publishing/Image Point
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Eremochloa ophiuroides
Plant Common Name
Centipede Grass
General Description
Centipede grass is a slow-growing, perennial, warm-season grass native to south and central China used mostly for lawns. It spreads by thick, leafy, branched stolons or above ground, lateral stems that root at each node. The yellow-green to medium green leaves are coarse, but not as wide as those of Saint Augustine grass, and emerge from tight sheaths folded to form short plantlets. Centipede flowers on short, flat two-flowered spikelets and produces viable green to tan seeds. This grass may be planted by seed, sod, plugs or stolons and forms medium density turf.
Centipede prefers acidic, moist, organic, well-drained soil. It has poor shade, salt and wear tolerances. Centipede is a low maintenance turf and declines with excessive inputs of nutrients and water. It is slightly drought tolerant and prefers occasional applications of water. Fertilizer should be applied only as needed as the result of a soil test or local research results. Mowing is the key to success for any turf grass; centipede should be mowed between one and a half and two and a half inches (4-6 cm) high. This grass is slightly more cold tolerant than Saint Augustine grass but will not tolerate prolonged freezes. Centipede grass is a good choice for lawns in low maintenance and low traffic areas in warm humid zones.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
1"-4" / 2.5cm - 10.2cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow, Green
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green, Lemon Yellow, Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Lawns and Turf
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
