St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Standard (possibly 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Becomes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a dense, thick carpet. It features wide, blunt blades and thick stolons. Color is typically a medium to deep green. It is highly valued for its shade tolerance in warm climates.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded in the bud (vernation). Blades are flat and feature distinctive rounded/blunt (boat-shaped) tips. Ligules are short and fringed with hair. Auricles are absent.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. It has a high thatch-forming tendency and slow-to-medium establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and West Africa. Thrives in sub-tropical and tropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Shade to Full Sun; 4-6 hours direct sun minimum. High watering needs compared to other warm-season grasses. Moderate drought tolerance but will wilt without regular moisture.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Best shade tolerance of all warm-season grasses. High salt tolerance. Low wear tolerance (not suitable for heavy traffic). Susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch (fungus).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides dense ground cover for soil stabilization. Non-invasive in most upland environments but can dominate coastal edges. Often grows solo since it chokes out most companion grasses.