SafePlants

Broadleaf Carpet Grass

Broadleaf carpet grass (Axonopus compressus) is also known by several common names, including carpet-grass, American carpet grass, tropical carpet grass, blanket grass, lawn grass, Louisiana grass, savanna grass, Kearsney grass, buffalo grass (in Northern Australia), and cow grass (in Singapore and South-East Asia).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P. Beauv.
• Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Agrostis compressa
  • Anastrophus compressus
  • Milium compressum
  • Paspalum compressum (Sw.)
  • Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. var. australis G.A.Black

Considerations for Pets

• Broadleaf carpet grass is occasionally known to cause rashes.

Considerations for Children

• Broadleaf carpet grass is occasionally known to cause rashes.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the U.S.
• Frequently found in moist soils.
• It is the most common and prolific grass through South East Asia.
• Suitable from Mackay north in Australia.
• Also found in the West Indies (savannah grass), Peru (nudillo), Suriname (bes-chaitgras), and Cuba (caamazo).

Ecological Role

• Listed in Invasive Species Most Unwanted selections for broadleaf carpetgrass (Axonopus compressus).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a short perennial, stoloniferous, dense mat-like spreading grass.
• Leaves are 4-15 cm (1 1/2 - 6 in.) long, and 4-10 wide.
• Prostrate growth habit which forms a dense sod.
• Forms a coarse textured, fairly dense low-growing turf.

Other

• Can handle up to 50% shade.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: AXCO)
• Invasive Plant Atlas
• Dave's Garden: A community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.