St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass; popular in tropical and subtropical regions.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass; widely used for residential yards and commercial landscapes.
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' given the coarse texture and broad blades; 'Floratam' is the most common variety in the southern US, known for its thick stolons.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10. Poor cold tolerance; turns brown and goes dormant below 55°F (13°C). Excellent heat and humidity tolerance.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant medium-to-dark green color. It forms a thick, spongy sod and has a relatively fast horizontal growth rate when established. Seed heads are spike-like racemes with seeds embedded in a thickened, flattened stem.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide), flat to folded, with a blunt, rounded (boat-shaped) tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Color is medium green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is broad and continuous.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system that originates from nodes along the stolons. Slow to establish from seed (usually sodded or plugged). Creates thick thatch; moderate wear recovery due to stoloniferous growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, West Indies, and Western Africa. Well-adapted to coastal areas and humid subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads aggressively via thick, creeping above-ground runners (stolons) that form a dense, carpet-like mat. No rhizomes present.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Shade to Full Sun; one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses (needs 4-6 hours). High water requirement; moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without moisture. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Recommended frequency: weekly during peak summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional salt tolerance (ideal for coastal lawns); good shade tolerance; poor traffic tolerance compared to Bermuda; susceptible to Large Patch (fungus) and Chinch Bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Standardized in the US. Provides high soil stabilization and erosion control on sandy coastal soils. Low wildlife value other than providing cover. Not typically considered invasive in managed landscapes but can crowd out native species if escaped.