Eremochloa spp.
Overview
Eremochloa is a genus of low, mat-forming grasses in the family Poaceae, native to southern and eastern Asia and to Australia. About ten species are recognised, the most familiar being E. ophiuroides, centipede grass, used as a low-maintenance warm-season lawn across the southeastern United States and other mild regions. Plants spread by surface stolons to form dense, light-green turf, with short leaf blades and flowering culms reaching roughly 4 to 12 in (10 to 30 cm). The flower heads are slender single racemes bearing two rows of overlapping spikelets along one side, a form that suggests a centipede and gives the common name. Most species grow as perennials in warm climates, creeping slowly outward rather than forming clumps. Eremochloa tolerates poor, acidic, sandy soils and low fertility, which is part of why centipede grass is grown where richer lawn grasses are hard to maintain. Growth is slow and the turf is low, so mowing and feeding needs are modest, though the grass browns and goes dormant under frost and recovers slowly from heavy wear. Cold winters limit its range to mild-temperate and subtropical zones.
Native Range
Native to southern and eastern Asia, including China and Southeast Asia, and to parts of Australia, where species grow in open grassland, woodland margins, and disturbed ground. E. ophiuroides originates in southern China and is now widely cultivated in warm regions.Suggested Uses
Eremochloa is grown mainly as a low-maintenance lawn and groundcover grass in warm, mild-winter climates, and for erosion control on poor acidic soils. It suits large, low-traffic areas where minimal feeding and mowing are wanted. The dense turf crowds out many weeds once established.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering culms appear in summer, roughly June to September, rising just above the turf. Each carries a single slender raceme of greenish to purplish spikelets. The flowers are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous, and many cultivated lawns are mown before they develop.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to purplishFoliage Description
Light greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight