St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Commonly 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' (general representation of Stenotaphrum secundatum)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (susceptible to frost damage below 25°F).
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing, sod-forming warm-season grass with wide, flat blades and blunt tips. It forms a dense, carpet-like turf with a bluish-green to dark green color. It goes into winter dormancy and turns brown in cooler parts of its range.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture with wide blades (greater than 4mm), flat shape, blunt/rounded tips, folded vernation in the bud, smooth texture, distinct midrib, membranous ligule reduced to a fringe of hairs, and absent auricles.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes, establishing quickly via stolons, forming a thick thatch layer, and providing moderate drought tolerance and good wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and tropical regions worldwide. Cultivated widely in the southern United States and tropical/subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous, spreading aggressively via robust above-ground stolons (runners) that form a thick, dense turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has the best shade tolerance among warm-season grasses (requires at least 4 hours of direct sun). High water needs during establishment and active growth; moderate drought tolerance by entering dormancy. Thrives in moist, well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Mower blades should be kept sharp to prevent tearing the wide blades. High maintenance level requiring regular fertilization, frequent watering, and periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, poor wear tolerance compared to Bermuda or Zoysia, excellent salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas), moderate drought recovery, and good weed suppression when thick.
Ecological Information
Introduced and widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on coastal sites. Offers limited wildlife value primarily as ground cover.