St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Palmetto' / 'Floratam' type; specific cultivar identification requires macro-analysis of floral/growth traits, but has coarse leaf characteristics characteristic of 'Floratam'.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F; prone to winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant medium-to-dark green color. It forms a dense, carpet-like sod that crowds out most weeds. Seed heads are spike-like racemes with seeds embedded in the flattened rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>8mm), flat blades with a rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip; folded vernation; auricles are absent; ligule is a short fringe of hairs; color is bright to deep green.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow compared to Bermuda grass, but deep enough for moderate drought resistance; develops a heavy thatch layer due to thick stolons; medium establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads aggressively via above-ground runners/stolons); forms a thick, dense mat with high thatch potential.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (requires 4-5 hours minimum); high water requirements for optimal health; prefers well-drained soils with pH 6.0–7.5; good salt tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance; mowing height of 3.0 to 4.0 inches; requires frequent fertilization (3-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft yearly); needs regular dethatching and aeration; susceptible to Chinch Bugs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to most warm-season grasses; excellent salt tolerance for coastal properties; poor traffic/wear tolerance due to coarse stolon structure; high weed suppression when dense.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions of the Atlantic; provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal areas; low wildlife forage value but provides habitat for small invertebrates.