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'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance (suffers injury below 20°F); exhibits winter dormancy (browns off) in northern range of its zone.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a thick, spongy mat. It maintains a deep blue-green to emerald green color during the growing season and enters dormancy in cold temperatures. Features a distinctive flattened stem and alternate leaf arrangement.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide) with a rounded or blunt tip; folded vernation; blades are typically short, flat, and somewhat stiff with a smooth texture; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow compared to some warm-season grasses; relies on heavy stolon growth for lateral expansion; moderate thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed from plugs or sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to West Indies, Africa, and coastal regions of the Americas; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners to form a dense, carpet-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Sun to Full Sun (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 prefers consistent moisture; thrives in pH 5.0 to 8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency; requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level due to water and pest requirements.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance due to succulent stolons; susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch (fungus).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in US; provides soil stabilization in coastal sandy areas; low wildlife forage value but provide cover for small invertebrates; can be aggressive in optimal conditions but rarely invasive in non-tropical climates.