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' (Standard broad-leaf turf type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; turns brown and dormant quickly with first frost. Excellent heat tolerance.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a dense, carpet-like sod. It features a medium to dark green color and thick, succulent stolons that root at the nodes. It remains relatively low to the ground but becomes thick and spongy if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide), flat to slightly folded. Tips are distinctly rounded or blunt (boat-shaped/blunt). Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. Visible midveins and a smooth, glossy texture.
Root System
Spreads via a vigorous network of thick stolons with relatively shallow to moderate fibrous roots. Fast establishment speed in warm weather; low thatch tendency if managed, but can build up if over-fertilized.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Africa; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground horizontal runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Sun to Full Sun (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses). Needs 4-6 hours of sun. High water requirements; requires regular irrigation to maintain color. Prefers well-drained fertile soils with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
High mowing height (2.5 - 4.0 inches). Weekly frequency. Requires 2-4 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium to High maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses. High salt tolerance (suitable for beach fronts). Low traffic/wear tolerance due to coarse, fleshy blades that crush easily. Susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch disease.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions. Provides dense ground cover for erosion control. Non-invasive in most landscapes but can dominate other grass species. Often used in coastal ecosystems for soil stabilization.