succulent sod Sterile Frogfruit | California Succulent SodImproved Frogfruit Native Succulent Groundcover Lawn (Sterile) AKA: ALT LAWN ULTRA, Phyla nodiflora, Sterile Verbena nodiflora, Frogfruit, Turkey Tangle, etc. The 2024 2025 L. A. Fire Season has repeatedly demonstrated Phyla nodiflora sod to be fire resistant and even retardent* according to anecdotal reports from the Getty institute and Malibu homeowners. DELIVERY AVAILABLE ONLY ON ALTERNATING THURSDAYS Phyla nodiflora is a succulent native

Improved Frogfruit - Native Succulent Groundcover Lawn (Sterile)

AKA: ALT LAWN ULTRA, Phyla nodiflora, Sterile Verbena nodiflora, Frogfruit, Turkey Tangle, etc.

The 2024-2025 L.A. Fire Season has repeatedly demonstrated Phyla nodiflora sod to be fire-resistant and even retardent* according to anecdotal reports from the Getty institute and Malibu homeowners. 

DELIVERY AVAILABLE ONLY ON ALTERNATING THURSDAYS

Phyla nodiflora is a succulent native groundcover that's been hybridized to increase fluffiness and prevent spread by seed. It fills in with runners in warm seasons and can be mowed once a month (if desired) to stay extra leafy and green. Improved soil drainage is recommended in areas where soil is not notable sandy or fast-draining. 

Sterile Frogfruit spreading ground cover works beautifully as a full-coverage lawn, in between pavers and even up walls! It's a fantastic slope stabilizer, companions well with fruit trees and is the most waterwise native sod option on the market. It requires deep waterings only every 1-2x weeks in summer after it's first year's maturity. Suitable for medium - high traffic areas and pets. 

California native groundcover lawn alternatives are sustainable and cost a small fraction of artificial turf. They're a whole lot better looking too.

• Ideal for Sun or Part Shade

• Survives on 1x week watering and no winter water*

• Mowing Optional

• Foot Traffic, Sport & Dog-Friendly

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has deemed Phyla nodiflora groundcover as a rebate qualifying lawn alternative. Apply now! Click here for more details. 

*1x Week Watering

Phylla nodiflora can survive on 1x week water after it's first year of establishment, though it will get patchy. It functions & looks best with 2x a week watering in summer-fall in Southern California. And even monthly mowing if you want it it's greenest. It will make it through watering restrictions when necessary. In areas of California with more regular rainfall no irrigation may be necessary after 2 years establishment.

Best planted in March-July. Phyla nodiflora is a warm season grower it does most of its spreading in summer-fall. And, in most case, it will not require any winter watering once mature. In shade it gets 4-6" long and is softer. But even part shade means it needs much less water (one client in Camarillo stopped watering entirely after 3 years in full shade without issue). Just remember regular watering is required in the first year for Phylla nodiflora to get its roots down the 10' required for it to go the distance on any water savings. 

Mowing Optional 

Mow it once a month to keep the small clover-like flowering down and get the freshest look (reducing watering can also reduce flowering). Or never mow. It’ll naturally stay soccer height & look decent regardless when in full sun. This groundcover creeps. It stands up to dogs, sports, parties and a good amount of neglect once well established. 

Care & Installation 

Weed - regularly in the first year. Nut sedge is most common weed problem. A spray with the active ingredient of halosulfuron-methyl (like Sedgehammer) will kill off nut sedge grass without damaging Phylla nodiflora. 

Blooming - Phylla nodiflora produces a bee attracting flower, especially in Spring. Most customers love nursing our honeybees and don't find them bothersome. However, it's not right for everyone! NOT RECOMMENDED for homes with bee allergies or strong aversions.

Season - Frogfruit is best planted March-October. It can be planted in cooler seasons too, but won't spread or show much growth until temperatures are notably warm.