St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine (likely variety like Floratam or Palmetto based on leaf width)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (damaged below 20-25°F). Goes dormant and turns tan/brown in winter.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass with a deep blue-green to bright green color. It is highly dense and mat-forming, known for its ability to dominate other grasses in favorable conditions.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded in the bud (folded vernation), flat blades with a Distinctly rounded/boat-shaped tip and a narrowed base. Occasional hairs on the collar and a short, fringe-like ligule; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderate depth, concentrated in the upper soil layers. Develops thick stolons that can create heavy thatch; establishes moderately fast via sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean; common in the Southern US and Subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads by thick above-ground creeping stems); forms a dense, aggressive mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (highly shade tolerant for a warm-season grass); requires 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate to high water needs; prefers moist, well-drained soils with pH 5.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 2.5-4.0 inches. Medium frequency; Nitrogen: 2-4 lbs per 1000 sq ft annually. Needs occasional vertical mowing to manage thatch. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance, high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas), moderate wear tolerance but slow recovery from heavy traffic, susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many areas; provides dense ground cover for erosion control and moisture retention. Can be invasive in sensitive wetland ecosystems but generally stays within managed borders.