St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine / Floratam (Likely based on coarse texture and stolon appearance)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy below 55°F; does not survive sustained freezing temperatures.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a dense, thick carpet. It remains green into the fall in warm climates but enters dormancy and turns tan during frost. It is characterized by its wide, blunt blades and vigorous creeping stolons.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or boat-shaped tips, medium-to-dark green color, smooth texture with distinct midribs. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; collar is constricted and smooth.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow compared to Bermuda, focuses on thick surface stolons; moderate-to-high thatch tendency; moderate establishment speed from plugs or sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical/subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads aggressively via thick above-ground runners); heavy mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); high water requirements; moderate drought tolerance; prefers moist, well-drained soils with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency during growing season; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch (Grey Leaf Spot).
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions; provides good soil stabilization against erosion; can be invasive in non-native wetland margins; typically grown as a monoculture for lawns.