Carpetgrass in Centipede Lawn: Temporary Nurse Crop

Carpetgrass (Axonopus fissifolius) was likely included as a quick-cover nurse grass. It fades in summer heat and drought, produces unsightly seedheads every 5 days, and has poor cold tolerance.

Encouraging Centipede Takeover

Fertilize centipede with 15-0-15 after spring green-up and again in midsummer. No fall fertilizer. Centipede will gradually dominate.

Note: Some native plant advocates value carpetgrass for paths and wet areas.