St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season perennial, C4 metabolic pathway
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Floratam-like; exact cultivar unidentified
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F; susceptible 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 maintains a dense mat that is highly effective at crowding out weeds. Seed heads are inconspicuous, forming short spikelets on a flattened stalk (rachis).
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (8-10mm); flat shape with a distinctively rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip; blades are folded in the bud (folded vernation); short, fringe-like hairy ligule; auricles are absent; collar is continuous and narrow.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes; low thatch tendency if managed well; establishment is primarily via sod, plugs, or sprigs rather than seed; excellent sod-forming density.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and West Africa; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads aggressively via above-ground runners (stolons) to form a thick, carpet-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun; exhibits the best shade tolerance among warm-season grasses (needs 4-5 hours min); high water requirements; moderate drought tolerance but requires supplemental irrigation during dry spells; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-8.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; mowing frequency every 7-10 days; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level due to water and pest monitoring needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); moderate wear tolerance; susceptible to Large Patch (fungus) and Chinch Bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in many tropical regions; provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates; can be invasive in sensitive wetland ecosystems.