St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Floratam' (typical of coarse texture shown)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; enters dormant brown state when temperatures drop below 55°F and can suffer winter kill in Zone 7.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It features a deep blue-green to emerald green color and remains dense even under moderate shade. When unmowed, it can reach 6-12 inches; maintained, it appears robust with wide, blunt leaves. Seed heads are spike-like racemes but are often sterile in improved cultivars.
Blade Characteristics
Broad, coarse blades (8-10mm wide), folded in the bud; leaf tips are distinctly rounded or 'boat-shaped' at the apex. Color is usually dark green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; collar is broad and often constricted.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system supported by thick, woody stolons. It has a high thatch-forming tendency due to stolon accumulation and moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
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 aggressive above-ground runners), forming a dense, thick mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but is the most shade-tolerant of warm-season grasses (needs 4-5 hours min). High water requirements; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, prefers moist, well-draining soils with pH 5.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing to prevent thatch buildup. 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; good salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance due to succulent stolons; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; provides excellent soil stabilization in coastal sandy soils; low wildlife value; can be invasive in native wetlands; usually grown as a monostand rather than a blend.