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Description
Hemarthria Altissima, commonly known as the Southern Carpetgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and is known for its ability to grow in wet soils with low fertility. The Southern Carpetgrass has a creeping growth habit and is characterized by its short stature and fine-textured leaves. This grass is popularly used in lawns, pastures, and erosion control.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Hemarthria |
Appearance
The Southern Carpetgrass has a unique appearance that differentiates it from other grass species. It has a low-growing habit and can reach up to 6-8 inches in height. The leaves of this grass are fine-textured, narrow, and have a bluish-green color. The blades of the leaves are flat and are usually 1-3 inches long. This grass produces seed heads that are spike-like and can reach up to 6 inches long. The seed heads are purplish-brown and are held upright on the stem.
Care Guide
The Southern Carpetgrass is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this grass:
- Water: The Southern Carpetgrass requires moderate watering. It should be watered once a week during dry periods.
- Fertilization: This grass requires minimal fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year during the spring season.
- Soil: The Southern Carpetgrass prefers soils that are moist and well-drained. It can tolerate soils with low fertility and acidity.
- Sunlight: This grass prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: The Southern Carpetgrass is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Southern Carpetgrass is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Armyworms: These pests can cause significant damage to the Southern Carpetgrass by feeding on the leaves and stems.
- Brown Patch: This disease is caused by a fungus and can cause circular patches of dead grass.
- Root Knot Nematodes: These pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves by feeding on the roots of the grass.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can cause small, circular spots on the leaves of the grass.
Habitat
The Southern Carpetgrass is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in wetlands, pastures, and lawns. This grass prefers soils that are moist and well-drained and can tolerate soils with low fertility and acidity. The Southern Carpetgrass is not tolerant of drought and should be planted in areas that receive regular rainfall or irrigation.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Southern Carpetgrass be grown in full sun?
A: Yes, the Southern Carpetgrass can be grown in full sun, but it prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
Q: How often should the Southern Carpetgrass be watered?
A: The Southern Carpetgrass should be watered once a week during dry periods.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Southern Carpetgrass?
A: The Southern Carpetgrass is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for the Southern Carpetgrass?
A: The Southern Carpetgrass prefers soils that are moist and well-drained and can tolerate soils with low fertility and acidity.
Related Plants
- Hemarthria Compressa
- Hemarthria Uncinata
- Hemarthria Quadrivalvis
References
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HEAL2
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/carpetgrass/lawn-care-tips-for-carpetgrass.htm
- https://www.bamertseed.com/product/southern-carpet-grass/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/carpetgrass/lawn-care-tips-for-carpetgrass.htm
