St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common/Floratam (suggested variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 55°F; prone to winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, spongy turf. Features a medium to dark green color and remains green in warm climates, turning tan during dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), flat shape with a distinct rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip; folded vernation; blades are smooth and wide with a short, fringed membranous ligule and no auricles.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow, though deep enough for moderate drought resistance. It produces heavy thatch due to its stoloniferous growth habit and establishes moderately fast via sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Africa; well-adapted to tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads aggressively via thick above-ground runners (stolons) to form a dense, carpet-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (very shade tolerant for a warm-season grass); needs at least 4-6 hours of light; high water requirements; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance; ideal mowing height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; frequency of 7-10 days; requires 3-6 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance among warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance; susceptible to Large Patch (fungus) and Chinch bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal areas; low wildlife value; non-invasive but can dominate garden beds via stolon creep.