Eremochloa ophiuroides, commonly known as Centipede grass, is a warm-season turfgrass frequently chosen for lawns in the southern United States. It forms dense sods and requires low maintenance. Its popularity stems from its adaptability to certain environmental conditions and its less demanding upkeep compared to other lawn varieties.
Identifying Characteristics and Growing Conditions
Centipede grass exhibits a distinct apple-green to lime-green color. It possesses a coarse texture and spreads horizontally across the ground through above-ground stems called stolons, which root at nodes to form a thick sod.
For optimal growth, Centipede grass prefers full sun exposure, though it can tolerate light shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers acidic soil, thriving in a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, where it can manage mild winters, turning brown with light freezes but typically recovering as temperatures rise.
Establishment and General Care
Centipede grass can be established through seeding, sodding, or using vegetative sprigs or plugs. Seeding can take two to three years for full coverage, while sodding provides immediate establishment. Newer cultivars may necessitate vegetative establishment for better results.
A significant advantage of Centipede grass is its low nitrogen fertilizer requirement, contributing to its low maintenance. Applying between 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during the growing season is often sufficient, and over-fertilization should be avoided as it can harm the lawn. Watering practices should focus on infrequent but deep applications to encourage a deeper root system, rather than frequent, shallow watering. When mowing, a height of 1.5 to 2 inches is recommended, which is higher than for many other turfgrasses, and this can also help reduce mowing frequency.
Common Vulnerabilities
Centipede grass is notably sensitive to certain soil conditions and inputs, particularly high-phosphorus fertilizers and many “weed and feed” products. Soil tests are recommended to determine specific nutrient needs and avoid issues. Its slow growth rate also means it recovers poorly from heavy foot traffic or physical damage, making it less suitable for high-use areas.
Beyond nutrient sensitivities and traffic intolerance, Centipede grass can be susceptible to specific pests. These include ground pearls, which are scale insects that attach to roots and extract nutrients, and nematodes, microscopic roundworms that can damage the root system. Over-fertilization or over-watering can increase its susceptibility to fungal infections.