Carpetgrass
Axonopus fissifolius
A creeping, low-maintenance grass that forms a dense carpet-like lawn in the humid Southeast. Carpetgrass thrives in wet, acidic soils where other grasses fail, making it ideal for low-lying areas and coastal regions. Its aggressive spreading habit quickly fills in bare spots, creating a uniform, soft lawn that's perfect for areas with challenging drainage.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
7–10
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Carpetgrass in USDA Zone 7
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Carpetgrass · Zones 7–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Moist. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are available July-November.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Caryopsis.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Central and southeastern U.S.A., Tropical/ Subtropical America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Compaction, Heat, Humidity, Poor Soil
- +Attracts: Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Leaves and seeds are forage for animals.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
White Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, enhances grass growth, and provides natural fertilization
Dandelion
Deep taproot breaks up compacted soil and brings nutrients to surface for grass
Plantain
Tolerates foot traffic well and helps prevent soil compaction in lawn areas
Violets
Low-growing groundcover that complements grass without competing for sunlight
Yarrow
Improves soil health and attracts beneficial insects while tolerating mowing
Chamomile
Natural pest deterrent and soil conditioner that grows well with grasses
Wild Strawberry
Low-growing groundcover that fills bare spots and prevents weed invasion
Creeping Thyme
Drought-tolerant groundcover that releases pleasant fragrance when stepped on
Keep Apart
Crabgrass
Aggressive annual grass that outcompetes carpetgrass for nutrients and space
Bermuda Grass
Fast-spreading perennial that can overwhelm and choke out carpetgrass
Nutsedge
Invasive sedge with aggressive root system that competes heavily for water and nutrients
Dollar Weed
Forms dense mats that block sunlight and prevent carpetgrass establishment
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases in preferred conditions
Common Pests
Chinch bugs, army worms, sod webworms
Diseases
Brown patch, dollar spot in dry conditions