St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10. Low cold tolerance, going dormant and turning brown when temperatures drop below 50°F. Excellent heat tolerance.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Commonly 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto', noted for coarser texture and distinct blue-green color.
About This Grass
Forms a lush, dense, carpet-like turf with broad, flat blades. Color ranges from medium to dark blue-green. Unmowed height can reach several inches with upright flowering culms bearing spike-like seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture with blades typically wider than 4mm. Flat shape with rounded to blunt tips. Rolled vernation in the bud, prominent midvein, membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs, and absent or very small auricles.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. Forms a heavy thatch layer rapidly. Fast establishment from sod or plugs, but moderate drought tolerance and average wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions around the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and the Mediterranean; widely cultivated in the southern United States.
Growth Habit
Aggressively stoloniferous, forming thick, dense mats via above-ground runners.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (more shade-tolerant than most warm-season grasses). High watering needs for optimal green color and growth; moderate drought tolerance by entering dormancy. Thrives in moist, well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season. High fertilizer requirements (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). High maintenance level due to thatch control and pest management.
Special Characteristics
Good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, poor wear tolerance compared to Bermuda or Zoysia, susceptible to chinch bugs and take-all root rot, excellent salt tolerance for coastal environments.
Ecological Information
Introduced turfgrass in many non-native regions. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on coastal sites. Low invasive potential outside cultivated landscapes. Seldom used in native wildlife mixes due to its managed turf nature.