St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and stolon prominence
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; damaged by prolonged temperatures below 20°F. Excellent heat tolerance.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a thick sod. It maintains a deep blue-green color in warm months and goes dormant (turning tan) in freezing temperatures. Noted for its thick, compressed stems and conspicuous stolons.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinctively rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; color is typically dark green to blue-green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extensive fibrous root system emerging from nodes along stolons. Medium depth; low thatch tendency if managed well, but can develop thick stolon mats. Slow to moderate establishment from plugs or sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf Coast region, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners that form a dense, coarse mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun; one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses (needs 4-6 hours direct light). High water requirement; moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without supplemental irrigation.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height of 3.0 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing with sharp blades to prevent shredding. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance due to coarse, succulent blades; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch (St. Augustine Decline).
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions; provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils. Introduced/cultivated widely in the Southern US. Generally non-invasive in non-tropical climates as it lacks rhizomes and viable seeds in most cultivars.