St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Standard (common variety), possibly 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C) for extended periods.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant deep green to blue-green color. It forms a thick sod through heavy stolons and is known for its wide blades and distinct salt and shade tolerance.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), flat shape with a blunt or rounded 'boat-shaped' tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule consists of a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is continuous and constricted.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderate depth; develops from nodes along stolons. Medium establishment speed from sod/plugs; high thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; well-adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground runners/stolons); forms a thick, dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun; one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses. High water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, prefers moist, well-drained soils with pH 5.0 to 8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually. High maintenance due to irrigation and pest monitoring needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance relative to other warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance; moderate wear tolerance but slow to recover from deep damage; susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch (fungus).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; high soil stabilization value in coastal areas; non-invasive in non-tropical climates but can dominate local ecosystems in frost-free zones.