St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures consistently drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It maintains a deep blue-green color and features long, thick stolons with visible internodes. Seed heads are distinctive spike-like racemes with seeds embedded in a thick, flattened rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are coarse (8-10mm wide), flat, with a distinct rounded (boat-shaped) tip. Color is typically dark green to blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a short fringe of hairs; auricles are absent, and the collar is constricted.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderately deep, primarily originating from the nodes of stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, West Indies, and Western Africa; well-adapted to tropical and subtropical coastal regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners), forming a dense, coarse-textured mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses. High water needs; moderate drought tolerance but requires supplemental irrigation during dry spells. Prefers pH 5.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: 3.0-4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during growing season. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching and aeration. Maintenance level: Medium-High.
Special Characteristics
High salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas), excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, poor traffic tolerance due to coarse blades and stolons. Susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Native to tropical coastal regions. Provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils. Often used in home lawns to provide thick ground cover that filters runoff. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates.