St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
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; enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a dense, carpet-like sod. It is deep blue-green to medium green with thick stolons and a relatively high growth rate during hot months.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm wide), flat shape with a distinct rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip; vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes; high thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads by thick, creeping above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has excellent shade tolerance (best among warm-season grasses); high water requirements; moderate drought tolerance with poor recovery after prolonged wilt.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches; frequency: every 5-7 days during peak growth; fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; poor wear tolerance; susceptible to Large Patch (fungus) and Chinch Bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; provides soil stabilization for coastal sandy soils; generally not invasive in non-wetland areas; usually grown as a monostand.