St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season perennial, C4 photosynthesis
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and typical southern lawn usage
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures consistently drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, spongy carpet. It remains dark green during the growing season and turns brown during winter dormancy. Note the conspicuous stolons visible in thin areas and the general absence of fine tillering.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct rounded/obtuse tip. Color is deep emerald to blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a short fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous roots originating from stolon nodes; high thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs; excellent wear recovery once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf Coast region, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; well-adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick above-ground runners), forming a dense, coarse-textured mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferred Full Sun but highly shade-tolerant for a warm-season grass (4-6 hours min); high water needs; moderate drought tolerance; prefers moist, well-drained slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance. Recommended mowing height: 3.0-4.0 inches. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching and specialized herbicides due to sensitivity.
Special Characteristics
High salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas), excellent shade tolerance compared to Bermuda, poor traffic tolerance compared to Zoysia, susceptible to Large Patch and Chinch bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; provides soil stabilization in coastal sandy areas; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates; not considered invasive in managed lawn settings.