St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on coarse texture and common residential use
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; very poor cold tolerance (damaged by prolonged freezing). Dormant during winter in cooler parts of its range.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a dense, blue-green sod. It remains relatively low when maintained but can grow 6-12 inches if left unmowed. It turns brown/dormant in cold winter temperatures.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct boat-shaped to rounded tip. Color is typically deep green to blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. It has a high thatch-forming tendency and establishes relatively quickly from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; well-adapted to humid subtropical and tropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads via thick above-ground creeping stems (stolons) to form a dense, carpet-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Sun to Full Sun (typically needs 4-6 hours minimum); one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses. Requires moderate to high watering; low to moderate drought tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak summer growth. Fertilization: 2-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
High salt tolerance (excellent for coastal areas), high shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses, poor wear tolerance, susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch disease.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in southern US; provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils. Low wildlife value in manicured turf form; can be invasive in native coastal habitats if unmanaged.