St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and growth; distinguishing features include long internodes and thick stolons.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F consistently.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant blue-green to dark green color. It forms a thick, carpet-like sod. Seed heads are inconspicuous spikes with seeds embedded in a thickened rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), folded vernation, distinct rounded or blunt 'boat-shaped' tips. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; collar is constricted and narrow.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderately deep; relies on heavy thatch-forming stolons for establishment; slow to recover from heavy wear due to lack of rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and West Africa; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreading above ground via thick, fleshy runners); forms a dense, coarse mat; rapid lateral spread but no rhizomes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); high water requirements during establishment; moderate drought tolerance but prefers consistent moisture; pH 5.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; requires weekly mowing during peak season; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; medium to high maintenance due to potential thatch buildup.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas); poor traffic tolerance because stolons are easily crushed.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions; excellent for soil stabilization in sandy soils; non-invasive in most temperate zones but can dominate local flora in tropical wetlands.