Contents
Description
Eremochloa is a genus of grasses that belong to the Poaceae family. This warm-season grass is also known as centipedegrass and is native to China and Southeast Asia. Eremochloa is widely used as a turfgrass and is popular for its low maintenance and easy-to-grow nature. It features a coarse texture, spreads by stolons, and has a shallow root system.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eremochloa |
Appearance
Eremochloa has a medium to dark green color and grows up to 3 inches in height. Its leaves are short and narrow, measuring 2-5 cm in length, and have an off-center mid-vein. The grass has a coarse texture and spreads by stolons, forming a thick carpet-like mat. Eremochloa also produces small, light-brown spikelets that are 2-3 mm long and can be seen from May to October.
Care Guide
Water
Eremochloa requires moderate watering, with occasional deep watering during drought conditions. The grass can tolerate brief periods of drought but will turn brown if the dry spell continues.
Fertilization
Eremochloa requires a moderate amount of fertilizer to thrive. It is recommended to fertilize the grass in the early spring and late fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to thatch buildup and root burn.
Soil
Eremochloa prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (between 5.5 and 7.0) and well-draining soil. The grass can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clay soils.
Sunlight
Eremochloa prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate some shade. It is important to note that excessive shade can lead to poor growth and thinning.
Hardiness Zones
Eremochloa is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eremochloa is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:
- Armyworms
- Chinch bugs
- White grubs
- Fungal diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and rust
To prevent these issues, it is recommended to maintain proper lawn care practices, including mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
Habitat
Eremochloa is native to China and Southeast Asia but has been widely introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world, including the United States. It is commonly used as a turfgrass in residential and commercial landscapes, parks, and golf courses.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eremochloa drought-tolerant?
A: While Eremochloa can tolerate brief periods of drought, it is not considered a drought-tolerant grass.
Q: How often should I fertilize Eremochloa?
A: Eremochloa should be fertilized twice a year, in the early spring and late fall.
Q: Can Eremochloa grow in clay soil?
A: Yes, Eremochloa can grow in a wide range of soil textures, including clay soils.
Q: Does Eremochloa require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, Eremochloa is a low-maintenance grass variety that requires moderate watering, fertilization, and mowing.
Related Plants
Other grass varieties in the Poaceae family include:
- Zoysia
- Bermuda grass
- Fescue
- Rye grass
- Bluegrass
References
- “Centipedegrass for Lawns.” NC State Extension. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/centipedegrass-for-lawns.
- “Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:401720-1.
- “Centipedegrass – Eremochloa ophiuroides.” University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-database/grasses/centipedegrass.aspx.
