St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine (likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and color)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance, enters dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a dense, carpet-like sod. It is deep green to blue-green in color and maintains its hue better than many other warm-season grasses in mild winters. In unmowed states, it produces short, spike-like seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), folded in the bud; blade tips are distinctly rounded or boat-shaped. Color is typically dark green. Features a short, fringed, hairy ligule and no auricles, with a continuous, constricted collar.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderately deep; relies heavily on thick stolons for spread. Low thatch tendency if managed well, but can build up under heavy nitrogen; fast establishment via sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, and Western Africa; adapted to tropical and subtropical coastal regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground runners), forming a thick, coarse mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to significant shade (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 with quick wilting as a signal for irrigation.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches; frequency every 5-7 days during peak growth. Requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); poor wear/traffic tolerance due to fleshy stolons; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch (Brown Patch).
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions; provides excellent soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils. Non-invasive in woodland settings due to light requirements, but aggressive in managed landscapes.