St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Floratam-like; exact cultivar undetermined without floral analysis
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A low-creeping, coarse-textured grass with a medium to dark green color. It establishes a dense turf that crowds out weeds through thick stolons. Generally maintained at a higher height than Bermuda grass.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), flat shape with a distinct boat-shaped or rounded tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is continuous and somewhat constricted.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous roots originating from nodes along thick stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, and West Africa coastlines; popular in Southern US and coastal regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick above-ground runners), forming a dense, coarse-textured mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); better shade tolerance than most warm-season grasses. High water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Weekly mowing; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance due to irrigation needs and susceptibility to Chinch bugs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance due to thick, succulent stolons that crush easily.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many tropical regions. Provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal areas. Not considered highly invasive in managed landscapes but can escape in wetland margins.