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 (wide leaf profile)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; very poor cold tolerance (turns brown/dormant below 55°F).
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a dense, carpet-like mat. It has a medium-to-dark green color and maintains its color well in mild climates. Seed heads are inconspicuous spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide), flat, with a distinctly rounded or boat-shaped tip. Vernation is folded. Color is dark green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Shallow to moderate depth, fibrous with very strong stolons. Fast establishment via sod or plugs. Low thatch tendency compared to Bermuda.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Atlantic coasts of Americas and Africa; adapted to coastal/tropical regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses). High water needs; low to moderate drought tolerance. Prefers acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.0-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: 2.5-4.0 inches. Medium maintenance. Needs 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Does not require frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance, excellent salt tolerance (ideal for coastal lawns), poor traffic/wear tolerance due to coarse runners and slow recovery from heavy damage.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many tropical regions. Used primarily for soil stabilization in coastal areas and as a resilient home lawn turf. Not generally considered invasive in managed landscapes.