St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It is deep green to blue-green in color and retains its color well into the fall. Unmowed, it can reach 6-12 inches; maintained, it is dense and uniform.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide), flat, with a distinct rounded/obtuse boat-shaped tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is constricted and smooth.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. High thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment from plugs or sod (rarely grown from seed).
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, West Indies, and West Africa. Highly adapted to tropical and subtropical coastal regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground runners), forming a dense, thick mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun; among the most shade-tolerant of warm-season grasses (needs 4-6 hours direct light). Requires frequent watering and has moderate drought tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Requires medium to high maintenance, monthly fertilization during growing season (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year), and periodic vertical mowing to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Excellent salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas), high wear tolerance, good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, but susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control. Low wildlife value in manicured turf settings but provides cover in naturalized coastal areas.