St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common (likely Floratam or Palmetto based on leaf width)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; very poor cold tolerance (damaged by sustained temperatures below 20°F).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a coarse texture and vibrant green color. It forms a thick, carpet-like mat that is highly effective at crowding out weeds. In autumn/winter, it turns tan or light brown as it enters dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or blunt tips. Color is medium to dark emerald green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is distinct and constricted.
Root System
Moderate depth with a primary network of thick, fibrous roots emanating from nodes along the stolons. Slow to establish from seed (usually sodded or plugged); moderate to high thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Atlantic coasts of the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean. Highly adapted to humid, subtropical/tropical coastal regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads aggressively via thick, above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours minimum). Requires moderate to high watering; needs consistent moisture and has moderate drought tolerance. Prefers acidic to neutral pH (5.0-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
2.5 to 4.0 inches. Recommended frequency is weekly during the growing season. High maintenance level requires 3-5 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Regular dethatching is often necessary.
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses. Excellent salt tolerance. Low wear tolerance for high-traffic areas but high recovery rate. Susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch disease.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control. Low wildlife value for forage but provides cover. Invasive in some non-native coastal ecosystems.