CARPET GRASS. 319 



name means flat stem, so given because of the flatness 

 of the stems and leaves. It is also called Blanket grass, 

 for the reason probably that it forms a close dense 

 covering which spreads over the earth like a blanket. 

 The softness and denseness of the covering is like that 

 furnished by a carpet, hence the name commonly ap- 

 plied to it. 



This grass is extensively creeping in its habit of 

 growth. It is a perennial. The stems near the ground 

 are broad and thin. The leaves are not only broad, 

 but short and bluntlike. The stems -lie almost on the 

 ground and frequently root at the nodes. From these 

 they send up many leafy or flower bearing branches 

 from 5 to 25 inches high, but more commonly not 

 more than 12 inches. These are naked and at the apex 

 nearly always divide into 2 or 3 small spikes or flower 

 bearing branches from 1 to 2 inches long. The creep- 

 ing stems spread rapidly and soon form a dense sod, 

 which crowds out other plants. It is evergreen at the 

 far South. It can well withstand protracted drought. 

 It forms a very dense sod and has been found helpful 

 in binding soils that wash. 



It is much relished by live stock and makes good 

 hay, but, owing to its strongly creeping habit of growth 

 has to be cut low. It is not so nutritious as Bermuda 

 grass. 



Distribution. — Carpet grass is now grown more or 

 less in all the southern states, but it grows at its best 

 in those which border on the Gulf. It will also grow 

 in the southwestern states in the presence of enougli 

 of rainfall. It will also grow as far north as the north- 



