Centipede & Carpet Grass

Location

• Centipede and carpet grasses are both like the heat and are grown in the Southern states. Centipede, however, is found a little further north in some of the transition zone states because its water requirements are not as high. Carpet grass is confined to areas in the deep South, including all of Florida, where plenty of rain falls. Both grasses grow well along the Gulf Coast in soil that has good drainage and contains sand.

Similarities

• In addition to being capable of tolerating high temperatures in full-sun areas, both grasses have the ability to survive in at least some shade. Centipede does well in areas with high shade, including under pine trees where the sun can filter through. The medium texture and light green coloring of both grasses are similar to each other. Both grasses thrive in wet and warm climates. They also each have the ability to grow in soil lacking fertility. Each grass forms a dense turf.

Differences

• Centipede grass does not grow as quickly as carpet grass. This means it does not require as much maintenance, particularly when it comes to mowing on a frequent basis. Because it does not require a lot of care, centipede is called the lazy man's grass. Centipede is more durable than carpet grass and able to handle higher amounts of foot traffic. Centipede tolerates drought conditions. Carpet grass is less drought tolerant because its shallow roots are not good at drawing water from beneath the ground.

Miscellaneous

• Centipede grass can be established from sod, sprigs or seed. Carpet grass is established from just seed or sprigs. Centipede, which was brought to the United States in 1916, is native to China and parts of Southeast Asia. Carpet grass is native to the interior Gulf Coast states and other tropical climates. Centipede is a coarse-textured grass that spreads by stolons. Carpet grass also spreads by stolons, but has more of a medium texture.