St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' (general species identification from image)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; turns brown/dormant quickly during first frost; survives down to 10-20°F depending on variety.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant deep green to blue-green color. It is known for its thick stolons and ability to form a dense sod that crowds out weeds.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or blunt-shaped tips, smooth texture with offset leaf arrangement on the stolon. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderate depth, fibrous root system extending from stolon nodes. It has a high thatch-forming tendency and slow-to-moderate establishment speed compared to Bermuda grass.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa. Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, prominent above-ground runners), forming a dense, carpet-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses); needs 4-6 hours of sun. High water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; requires medium maintenance. Fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Dethatching needed periodically due to heavy stolon growth.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal lawns), poor wear tolerance due to coarse, succulent blades.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal areas. Not considered highly invasive in managed landscapes but can escape in wetland margins.