St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine (likely Floratam or Palmetto based on leaf width and medium-green color)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance, enters dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It is a vibrant medium-to-dark green and maintains density well if properly mowed. Seed heads are inconspicuous spikes with seeds embedded in a thickened rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or boat-shaped tips, prominent midrib. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Leaves are arranged oppositely along stolons.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow, though stolons form a thick surface mat. Fast establishment via sod or plugs; high thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; well-adapted to USDA zones 8-11
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground horizontal runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses); needs 4-6 hours of light. High water requirement, moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without moisture.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Weekly mowing; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching; moderate to high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas), low wear tolerance (does not handle heavy foot traffic well), prone to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense mat growth. Often blended with other warm-season grasses but usually grown as a monoculture.