St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and dark green hue
Hardiness Zones
USDA 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 a creeping habit. It is known for its carpet-like density and rich green color. When unmowed, it can reach 6-12 inches; seed heads are inconspicuous spike-like racemes.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), reaching up to 10mm. Blades are flat with rounded/obtuse tips. Color is typically deep blue-green with a folded vernation. The ligule is a short fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system supported by thick, fleshy stolons. It has a high thatch-forming tendency and slow-to-moderate establishment from plugs or sod. Forms a very dense sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads aggressively via above-ground runners that root at nodes, forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferred Full Sun but highly shade tolerant (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses). Needs at least 4-5 hours of sun. Moderate to high water needs; moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without moisture.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.5–4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during growing season. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal lawns), poor wear tolerance compared to Bermuda, prone to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal areas; provide excellent soil stabilization against erosion. Non-invasive in dry inland areas but can spread in moist coastal ecosystems. Typically not mixed with other species due to its aggressive stolons and unique texture.