St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (susceptible to winter kill in temperatures below 20°F).
About This Grass
Coarse-textured, low-growing turf with a deep blue-green to emerald color. Forms a thick sod that crowds out weeds. It remains relatively low and creates a plush feel underfoot.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>4mm wide), flat to folded, with a blunt, rounded 'boat-shaped' tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous and moderately deep; primarily spreads through heavy stolons. Known for significant thatch buildup if not managed. Relatively fast establishment from sod/plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; widely used in Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads aggressively via thick above-ground runners to form a dense, carpet-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass. High water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.0-4.0 inches; weekly mowing. Moderate fertilization (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year). Requires periodic dethatching; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance, high salt tolerance (excellent for coastal areas), low traffic tolerance (bruises easily), susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch disease.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in US; excellent for soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils. Low wildlife value; dominant monoculture tends to displace native flora.