Question

Which of the following is a cool season lawn/turfgrass?

• A. Lolium perene
• B. Zoysia japonica
• C. Paspalum vaginatum
• D. Buchloe dactyloides

Hint:

Turfgrasses are either cool-season or warm-season:
Cool-season: Ryegrass (Lolium), Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass. Best in cooler climates.
Warm-season: Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, Paspalum, Buffalograss. Best in warmer climates.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Lawn and turfgrasses are generally categorized into cool-season and warm-season types based on their optimal temperature ranges for growth.
Cool-season grasses: Thrive in regions with cold winters and mild summers. They grow best in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Examples include Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrasses.
Warm-season grasses: Perform best in regions with hot summers and mild winters. They grow best in temperatures between 80-95°F (27-35°C). Examples include Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, and Bahia grass. Let's look at the options:
(1) Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass): This is a well-known cool-season grass, widely used in temperate climates for lawns, sports fields, and pasture.
(2) Zoysia japonica (Japanese Lawngrass or Zoysia Grass): This is a warm-season grass, popular for its heat and drought tolerance.
(3) Paspalum vaginatum (Seashore Paspalum): This is a warm-season grass, particularly noted for its high salt tolerance.
(4) Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalograss): This is a warm-season grass, native to North American prairies, known for its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs. Therefore, Lolium perenne is the cool-season lawn/turfgrass among the given options. Lolium perene