Centipedegrass Eremochloa ophiuroides

Centipedegrass is a warm-season stoloniferous turfgrass in the Poaceae family that forms thick sods, spreads by stolons and is native to South China. It is a light green coarsely leaved turfgrass that is best used as a low-maintenance, general-purpose lawn in the south. It has medium shade tolerance and limited traffic tolerance. It is valued for its infrequent mowing and fertilization requirements.

Centipedegrass prefers full sun to part shade conditions in acidic soil. It does not tolerate traffic, compaction, high soil pH, high soil phosphorus, excessive thatch, drought, or heavy shade. It is best started with sod. Establishment by seed can take 2 or 3 years for full coverage.

Mow this grass when it is between 1 to 2 inches high to prevent excessive thatch formation. It may need to be dethatched every 2 or 3 years. As it is shallow-rooted, take care when dethatching. The seedheads will grow 3 to 5 inches tall.

'TifBlair' is a cultivar developed by the University of Georgia that is quicker to establish, more cold tolerant and retains its green color later into the fall.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems. Increased disease potential if over-fertilized and/or over-watered such as fungal infections.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common southern lawn diseases.