St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass with wide, blunt-tipped blades. It is known for its light to medium green color and its ability to form a thick, carpet-like sod that competes well against weeds.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or boat-shaped blade tips, smooth texture with slight ridges on the upper surface. The ligule is a short fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous and moderately deep, primarily arising from the nodes of stolons. It forms a heavy thatch layer and has a moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, and West Africa. Highly adapted to humid, subtropical coastal regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners), forming a dense, coarse mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (though 'Floratam' variety requires more sun than other cultivars). High watering needs; prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.0 to 8.5. Low drought tolerance compared to Bermuda.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height of 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent salt tolerance (ideal for coastal regions), moderate shade tolerance, moderate wear tolerance, but susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch (Brown Patch) disease.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides soil stabilization and prevents erosion. Does not produce viable seeds; propagated vegetatively (sod/plugs).