St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season perennial, C4 metabolism
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on common residential use and coarse texture
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown in winter when temperatures drop.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick sod. It is known for its wide blades and prostrate growth. It remains green in warm temperatures but turns brown/dormant after the first hard frost.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide), flat to folded vernation, rounded or boat-shaped tips, dark green color, smooth edges with a fringe of hairs at the ligule; auricles are absent.
Root System
Primarily stoloniferous with a shallow to moderate fibrous root system; moderate thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick above-ground runners), forms a dense, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun; one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses. Needs 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate to high water needs; moderate drought tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance; poor traffic/wear tolerance compared to Bermuda grass; prone to Large Patch and Chinch bugs.
Ecological Information
Native to various tropical coastal areas; excellent for soil stabilization in sandy areas; not considered invasive in its adapted regions; often used as a monoculture.