St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season (C4), Perennial
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' (Standard thick-bladed turf variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Sensitive to freezing temperatures; enters dormancy when soil temps drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a lush, dense carpet habit. It features thick, succulent stolons and stays green year-round in frost-free regions but turns brown during winter dormancy in cooler zones. Provides excellent ground cover with high density.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded/blunt tips. Blades are typically dark green to blue-green, held on short thick stems. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. Low to moderate thatch tendency; relatively slow establishment from plugs or sod compared to Bermuda but forms a very dense sod eventually.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, and West Africa. Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive, thick above-ground runners), forming a dense, coarse mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Sun to Full Sun (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses). Needs consistent moisture; low drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, prefers well-drained slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recomended height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas), poor wear tolerance (recovery is slow from heavy traffic).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides good soil stabilization on slopes/coasts. Can be aggressive in wetlands but generally stays contained in managed lawns. Susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch disease.