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 (common broad-leaf cultivars)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown below 55°F.
About This Grass
A thick, carpet-like grass with a medium to dark green color. It remains relatively low to the ground but features broad, coarse blades. It turns brown/dormant in freezing temperatures and produces small, spike-like seed heads on short stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct rounded or blunt tip. Color varies from bright to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow but dense fibrous roots arising from thick stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed; moderate drought tolerance due to stolon structure.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads by vigorous above-ground runners), forms a dense, coarse-textured mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but has high shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses. High water needs; requires regular irrigation during dry spells. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-8.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.5-4.0 inches; frequency every 5-7 days during growth. Fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Requires periodic dethatching; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Low traffic/wear tolerance compared to Bermuda. Good salt tolerance (excellent for coastal areas). High shade tolerance for a warm-season grass. Susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions of the Americas and Africa. Valuable for soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils. Not considered invasive in most turf applications; often blended with other warm-season grasses in transition zones.