Pastures for Florida


 PASTURE GRASSES
 Carpet Grass.-Carpet grass (Axonopus affinis Chase, Fig. 23)
is a low-growing perennial grass which spreads by surface run-
ners and seeds. Because of its prostrate growth habit and root-
ing joints, it forms a dense sod. It reaches a height of 10 to
20 inches, depending upon fertility of the soil. The leaf blades
are smooth and
glossy and the
basal leaves are
longer than the
leaves on the
stolon or runner.
 This grass
seeds prolifically
during the period
from July through
November. The
long, slender seed-
stalks usually
have 3 branches
and bear many
brownish g r e y
oblong seeds less
than 1/10 inch
long.
 Carpet grass is
best adapted to
moist sandy soils,
particularly those
of the flat pine
lands. Because of FIG. 23.-CARPET GRASS.
its adaptation to This is a vigorous, low-growing perennial grass
 low fe y ad which spreads by seed and surface runners. The
low fertility and long slender seedstalks have 2 or 3 branches.
its prolific seed-
ing, it tends to become established naturally and is the most com-
mon permanent pasture grass in Florida (Fig. 24). This grass
furnishes feed during the frost-free period. Although heavy
frost kills the leaves, new growth develops from the runners
during warm periods.
 It is seeded at the rate of 10 pounds per acre, and is used pri-
marily for permanent pasture. During the summer months
carpet grass may be mowed for hay; the value of the hay is