Common carpetgrass, also known as Louisianagrass or by the Creole name “petit gazon” (Axonopus fissifolius aka affinis), is a native perennial graminoid in the Poaceae family. This is a warm-season grass, actively growing from spring to fall. It can grow in a wide range of soils and has a stoloniferous growth habit. Carpetgrass leaves have a light green color that can change to red at maturity and can grow to 6 inches in length. Carpetgrass is one of the native grasses that could be planted as a lawn. Seeds can be planted after the last frost. To plant, prepare the soil by making a level surface, spread the seed and gently rake to cover. The seeds generally establish within 10 weeks.
Carpetgrass is a medium-textured grass. Leaves are flat and blunt and come to a rounded tip. Seed heads are composed of a branching seed stalk with two branches attached to the stalk. This grass does not produce showy flowers, so using it as a ground cover or lawn grass, with frequent mowing, is encouraged. Carpetgrass produces stolons with adventitious roots. It can be established in the spring from seed with daily watering for the first two weeks, then weekly watering for six to eight weeks. By ten weeks, it should be established. Adding fertilizer can speed up this process.
Blade and leaf tip (right) compared to other grass. |
Common carpetgrass rames and spikelets. |
Common carpetgrass spikelet with immature seed. |
Common carpetgrass stem, sheath and immature seed |
Tip: Before amending the soil, consider testing your soil at the LSU AgCenter Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory or contact your local extension office for more information.
Establishment of carpetgrass for perennial lawns or temporary groundcover can be achieved through seeding.
Select and purchase your desired seed and follow the manufacturer’s labeled directions for the seeding rate per area. Rake seeds into a smooth soil surface and keep watered until germination and throughout establishment.