SafePlants

Carpetgrass: A Versatile Turf Option

Carpetgrass, known for its adaptability to challenging environments, is a common choice for lawns, pastures, and erosion control. This warm-season perennial grass thrives in conditions where other grasses struggle, making it a practical solution for various landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

• Carpetgrass can be found in fields, woods, and along roadsides, increasing the potential for exposure to ticks, fleas, or other external parasites when pets are in these areas.
• Carpetgrass produces a dense mat, which can potentially conceal small objects or debris that may be harmful if ingested by pets.

Considerations for Children

• Carpetgrass can be found in fields, woods, and along roadsides, increasing the potential for exposure to external parasites such as ticks and fleas, or other environmental hazards when children are in these areas.
• Carpetgrass produces a dense mat, which can potentially conceal small objects or debris that may be a choking hazard for young children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Axonopus affinis (common carpetgrass) and Axonopus fissifolius
• Common Names: Carpetgrass, common carpetgrass, tall carpetgrass, caratao grass, Louisiana grass, narrow-leaved carpet grass, narrowleaf carpetgrass, broadleaf carpetgrass, mat grass, Philippine grass.
• Family: Poaceae (grass family)
• Synonyms: Axonopus affinis syn. Axonopus fissifolius

Distribution and Habitat

• Native primarily to tropical and subtropical regions.
• Commonly found in the sandy soils of southeastern North America.
• Specifically mentioned locations: East Texas to Florida, north to Virginia, Alabama, and Arkansas.
• Grows in fields, woods, along roadsides, and pastures.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial, coarse-leaved, creeping grass.
• Forms a dense sod, offering good carpet-like coverage.
• Spreads by creeping stolons.
• Grows to a height of up to one and a half feet (small carpetgrass, *Arthraxon hispidus*).
• Medium-green in color, sometimes greenish.
• Warm-season grass.
• Coarse bladed and shallow rooted.

Ecological Role

• Useful for controlling erosion and suppressing weeds once established.
• Tolerates acidic and low fertility soils.
• Can be invasive in some regions.

Quirky Facts

• Carpetgrass is sometimes referred to as "Louisiana grass."
• While not producing a high-quality lawn, it thrives in areas where other grasses fail.

Additional Information

• Carpetgrass is often planted with centipedegrass to fill in quickly.
• It performs well in tropical North Queensland for lawns, sport fields, parks and reserves.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA plant profile and distribution maps.
• Clemson University: Prepared by Bob Polomski, Extension Consumer Horticulturist, and Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Horticulture Specialist.
• Shutterstock for carpet grass stock photos, vectors and illustrations.