Family: Poaceae

Axonopus compressus (broadleaf carpet grass) is a low-growing, mat-forming grass widely introduced across the humid tropics as a hardy lawn species. It has been favored for its ability to thrive in damp, shaded environments where many common turf grasses perform poorly. In Hawaiʻi, broadleaf carpet grass is already naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, demonstrating its adaptability to a wide range of local conditions. Its dense, creeping growth habit allows it to establish quickly and tolerate frequent mowing, making it a common choice for low-maintenance lawns and groundcover.

Despite its usefulness, A. compressus is rated High Risk due to several traits associated with invasiveness. Its ability to spread rapidly and form thick mats can allow it to outcompete native or more desirable vegetation, especially in moist, shaded areas. Once established, it can be difficult to remove or manage. Because it is already naturalized across the main Hawaiian Islands, continued awareness and careful management are important to prevent further spread into natural ecosystems and to minimize potential ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in India, Taiwan, Africa, Australia
  
• Weed in agriculture, turf, and horticulture
  
• Other Axonopus species are weedy
  
• Tolerates shade
  
• Reproduces vegetatively via stolons/sprigs
  
• Can contaminate hay/silage
  
• Tolerates mowing and cultivation
  
• Grows in poor and acidic soils

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Non-toxic to animals
  
• Not a major pest host
  
• Doesn't increase fire risk
  
• Low seed production
  
• No persistent seed bank
  
• Controllable with herbicides