Zoysiagrass is an excellent lawn grass for Georgia but there is much confusion over the different varieties. Dr. Tim Bowyer, with Patten Seed, made a reference table for me to sort out the lineage of the different zoysia varieties.

Scientific name Common nameCommercial nameDescriptionReleased byDate Zoysia japonica, aka Z Korei (sp?)Japanese lawngrass, Korean lawngrass, Korean Temple GrassMeyerSeed introduced in 1930 from northern Korea – in the US since 1895 – tough wear resistant turf – vegetative propagation onlyNational Plant Materials Center USDA/ARS and USGA Green Section. Named Meyer in honor of Plant Explorer Frank N. Meyer1951 MidwestSource prodigy of 40 poly cross F1 selection. Vegetative propagation only.Selected at Purdue U, W. Lafayette, IN, by Bill Daniel. 1963 Z-93Single plant selection from plants grown from seed of MeyerNational Plant Materials Center - USDA/ARS and USGA Green Section. 1952 ZenithHybrid F1 seed of 3 way field cross. Propagated by seed and vegetative material.Patten Seed Company – Jack Murray collection1995 Compadre – CompanionHybrid F1 seed of 2 way field cross. Propagated by seed and vegetative materialPatten Seed Company – Jack Murray collection1995 Zoysia matrella

Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica GoudsManilagrass ‘from H.N. Vinall in 1927, F.C. 13521 obtained originally from J.B. Norton, Hartsville, SC, probably selection from S.P.I. No. 48574 Vegetative propagation only.‘from H.N. Vinall in 1927, F.C. 13521 obtained originally from J.B. Norton, Hartsville, SC, probably selection from S.P.I. No. 48574 Vegetative propagation only.Alabama Agricultural Experiment StationNot given Zoysia tenuifoliaMascarenegrass, Korean Velvet Grass, Snake grassCommon zoysia tenuifoliaGenerally not mowed and left to grow free form – grass mounding forming void areas under the grass or tunnels. Often found in the Caribbean basin but not originating from there. Native of Kyushu - Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Named in 1834-1836.Vegetative propagation only.Agricultural Experiment Station GuamNot given Zoysia japonica X Zoysia tenuifoliaEmerald

Vegetatively propagated F1 selection of field cross including tenuifolia, and Meyer Z japonica. Vegetative propagation only.Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station, Tifton, GA and Plant Science Research Division, ARS and USGA1955

zoysia lawn