Zoysia japonica, commonly known as Korean lawn grass or Japanese lawn grass, is a creeping, mat-forming perennial grass native to the coastal grasslands and open ground of Southeast Asia, including the Korean peninsula, China, Japan, and parts of Indonesia. It is well-adapted to a range of soil types but prefers well-drained, sandy soils and thrives in warm, temperate climates. This grass typically forms dense mats with smooth, stiff leaf blades that are a light green color, turning brown with frost and becoming dormant in winter. Z. japonica is valued for its ability to form a dense, wear-resistant turf that can outcompete weeds once established.

Zoysia japonica is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, including infrequent mowing needs and high tolerance to drought, which makes it a popular choice for lawns, golf courses, and parks, especially in areas with water restrictions. It is also resistant to diseases and pests, which contributes to its ease of care. However, its slow growth rate means it can take some time to establish fully. It can be planted using sod, sprigs, or plugs and requires full sun to part shade for optimal growth. While it tolerates freezing temperatures, it is less cold-tolerant than some other turfgrasses. Due to its potential invasiveness, it should be monitored and managed carefully to prevent it from spreading into natural areas outside of its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0