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UF/IFAS Extension University of Florida

Alternatives to Turfgrass

Yellow peablossoms of perennial peanut variety 89.

A lush lawn can be an appealing element in the home landscape and provides many important benefits, like reducing stormwater runoff and providing a space for pets and kids to play. But sometimes turfgrass management can require a lot of maintenance, with frequent watering and applications of fertilizer or pesticides.

While turfgrass is often the go-to lawn option, there are many alternatives that can still offer green coverage at the ground level while providing greater benefits to the local wildlife. Below are some Florida-Friendly options that can increase the biodiversity of your lawn while reducing maintenance needs. These plants will also provide habitat to a host of insects and animals, with many offering flowers that attract pollinators.

Tiny lavender-blue flowers of native blue-eyed grass.

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is a wonderful option for a naturalized lawn with its low, neat foliage. This Florida native grows in grass-like clumps that form a tranquil meadow-like appearance. The tiny star-shaped flowers are light blue with yellow centers, popping up in spring to early summer. Blue-eyed grass grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a to 11 in both partial shade and full sun. This plant creates a tranquil meadow-like lawn. It cannot be mowed and does not handle traffic well.

Tiny pink puff of a flower

Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) is popular for its pink, ball-shaped flowers that look like small pom-poms. Its fern-like leaves fold up when touched and can withstand some traffic. This native groundcover is especially attractive to bees. It spreads quickly but works well as a companion plant with turfgrass or other naturalized lawn species. Sunshine mimosa is hardy in zones 8a to 11 and prefers full sun. Keep in mind that it can escape into a neighbor’s yard. It can handle some light foot traffic and may be mowed.

A variegated cultivar of the vining plant at a plant show. Its leaves are more yellow than green.

Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is a vine-like plant with impressive durability. It tolerates many growing conditions, even areas where turfgrass won’t thrive. It is an easy groundcover to maintain once it’s established. The dark green leathery leaves are attached to brownish-red stems that form a dense blanket over the ground. It can be grown in hardiness zones 7a to 11 in partial shade to full sun. Asiatic jasmine cannot tolerate foot traffic, so use walkways when traversing the lawn. It should be mowed or pruned once a year, just before spring growth flush, to reduce the risk of disease and keep an attractive appearance. While this plant is aggressive and grows quickly, it has been assessed by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas and declared not invasive.

Close look at yellow pea blossom, on perennial peanut being grown for forage.

Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) is an excellent turfgrass alternative or companion with cheerful golden flowers that bloom summer through fall. This versatile groundcover is effective at improving areas with erosion, as its underground rhizomes form a dense mat that holds the soil in place. It is evergreen in frost-free areas of the state, but in colder regions it will drop its leaves in winter. Interspersing ryegrass in the lawn can keep things green year-round. Perennial peanut thrives in hardiness zones 8b to 11 in full sun. Mowing is not required, but it can increase blooms. This groundcover does not tolerate foot traffic well, so make sure to install pathways. This plant is aggressive and grows quickly, but has been assessed by the UF/IFAS Assessment and declared not invasive.

Tiny purple flowers

Twin flower (Dyschoriste oblongifolia) is a sprawling native groundcover with small striking purple flowers from May to December. Its blooms attract butterflies such as the white peacock and malachite. It’s also a host plant for the common buckeye butterfly larvae, so twinflower is a sure way to support local pollinators. This plant thrives in hardiness zones 8a to 11 in partial shade or full sun. Mowing is not required. This flowering species does not tolerate foot traffic.

Very close look at a single frogfruit flower with velvety purple center surrounded by tiny white and lavender blossoms.

Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) is a vigorous spreading perennial, well suited as a companion plant, groundcover or alternative lawn. This Florida native forms dense mats that spread via long stems (stolons) rooted at the nodes. The tiny purplish-white blooms appear May through October and attract many pollinators. Frogfruit is a larval host plant for butterflies like the phaon crescent, buckeye and white peacock. This plant is hardy in zones 8a to 11 and prefers full sun or short periods of shade. It may appear dormant during winter or drought but will come back. This species can handle some light foot traffic and occasional mowing.

There are many options outside of the conventional lawn to try in your home landscape, so don’t fret if turfgrass is not working out for you. You can even try a mixed lawn of various species, with plants that work in tandem to increase the lawn’s biodiversity. If you don’t want to get rid of turfgrass all together, consider adding alternative species within the gaps in the lawn for a more cohesive look.

UF/IFAS is currently researching alternative lawn species and their success in the landscape. One study found that perennial peanut and sunshine mimosa exhibited greater drought tolerance and lower irrigation requirements than lawns with just turfgrass.

Some communities have certain lawn care standards, so check your neighborhood’s landscaping restrictions before considering one of these options. For more information about lawn alternatives for your area, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.

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