SafePlants

Carpetgrass: A Versatile Ground Cover

Carpetgrass is a common name applied to several different grass species. Let's explore the characteristics and uses of common carpetgrass, particularly Axonopus fissifolius and its close relatives.

Considerations for Pets

• Carpetgrass is sometimes found in lawns and pasture, areas where pets often spend time.
• This grass is susceptible to pests like caterpillars and worms. If your pet ingests carpetgrass treated with pesticides to control these pests, it could potentially cause harm.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Axonopus fissifolius (Raddi) Kuhlm.
• Synonyms:
  • Axonopus affinis Chase
  • Paspalum fissifolium Raddi
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Common Names

• common carpetgrass
• carpet grass
• Louisiana grass
• mat grass
• narrow-leaved carpet grass (narrowleaf carpet grass)
• caratao grass
• grama-missioneira
• gramalote zacate amargo
• broadleaf carpetgrass
• American carpet grass
• tropical carpet grass
• blanket grass
• lawn grass
• durrington grass (Australia)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Introduced into the United States through New Orleans during the early 1800s.
• Found in the southeastern United States and Hawaii (where it is reported as invasive).

Ecological Role

• In some regions, Axonopus fissifolius is considered an invasive species.
• It provides fair grazing for wildlife and good grazing for livestock.
• Often used as permanent pasture.

Morphological Characteristics

• Creeping, stoloniferous, perennial warm-season grass.
• Has flat stems and stolons that resemble St. Augustine grass.
• Takes root at nodes.
• Blades are flat.
• Slow-growing, medium-green (and sometimes greenish) color.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Susceptible to soilborne diseases such as brown patch and Pythium, and to most leaf spot diseases.
• Common pests include caterpillars, mole crickets, and some types of worms.
• Nematodes can also cause damage.

Quirky Facts

• One of its common names is "Louisiana grass," particularly among Creole citizens of New Orleans.
• It can survive six weeks of continuous waterlogging.

Further Information

• USDA plant profile and distribution maps available.
• ResearchGate features publications on variation and heritability estimates.
• University of Florida's Digital Collections holds germplasm collection, evaluation, and characterization data (http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UFE0021474).
• View information on EOL (Encyclopedia of Life).