Definition

Noun: 1. A type of low-growing, mat-forming grass: Carpet grass is a perennial grass species known for its ability to form a dense, carpet-like turf. It is characterized by its wiry, tufted stems and broad leaf blades. It is often used as a lawn grass in warm, humid climates, particularly where soil conditions are less than ideal, as it tolerates poor, acidic, and wet soils better than many other grasses.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The homeowner chose carpet grass for the lawn because it thrives in the damp, shady areas of the yard.
  • Unlike Bermuda grass, carpet grass does not require frequent mowing or rich soil.
  • A patch of carpet grass can sometimes be identified by its distinctive, light green color and coarse texture.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name: "Carpet grass" is the standard common name for (formerly ). It is important to distinguish it from other grasses with similar common names, such as "centipede grass."
• In horticultural contexts: The term is used to describe its primary functional use as a ground cover or lawn turf that requires minimal maintenance in suitable climates.

Variants and Related Words

• Louisiana grass (n): A regional common name for carpet grass, reflecting its prevalence in the southern United States.
• Flatgrass (n): Another occasional common name referring to its growth habit.
• Axonopus fissifolius (n): The current botanical/scientific name for the species.
• Turfgrass (n): The general category of grasses to which carpet grass belongs, cultivated to form a lawn, pasture, or sports field.

Synonyms

• Pasture grass (in a broad, functional sense, as it is sometimes used for grazing).
• Lawn grass (in the context of its primary cultivated use).

Notes on Different Meanings

The definition provided in the reference context highlights a specific characteristic: "...often infested with a dark fungus." This refers to a common issue called "black fungus" or "sooty mold," which is not a disease of the grass itself but a non-parasitic fungus that grows on the honeydew excreted by insects (like aphids) feeding on the grass. This note is an observational detail about a condition frequently associated with carpet grass, rather than a defining feature of the plant.

Noun

1. grass native to West Indies but common in southern United States having tufted wiry stems often infested with a dark fungus