St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10. Sensitive to freezing temperatures and enters dormancy in cooler zones during winter.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, coarse-textured carpet of blue-green to dark green color. It spreads rapidly via thick stolons. When unmowed, it can grow up to 6-12 inches tall, but is typically maintained at a lower height. Seed heads are flattened spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are wide (coarse, typically 4-10mm), flat, with rounded tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. Forms a thick layer of thatch if not managed, establishes quickly from sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean; well-adapted throughout the southern United States.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and aggressively spreading above ground, forming a dense, coarse-textured turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has the best shade tolerance among warm-season turfgrasses. Requires moderate to high moisture and regular irrigation during dry periods.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 3.5 inches high. Requires medium-high maintenance, regular fertilization during the growing season, and occasional dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, moderate salt tolerance, poor traffic and wear tolerance compared to Bermuda or Zoysia.
Ecological Information
Introduced/cultivated turfgrass widely used in coastal regions for erosion control and landscape stabilization, providing minimal wildlife value compared to native grasses.