St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and color
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown below 55°F
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It is known for its wide blades and distinct blue-green color.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or boat-shaped tips, dark green to blue-green color, short membranous ligule, no auricles
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderate depth; spreads via thick, aggressive stolons that create a dense thatch layer
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Africa
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreading above ground via thick runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass), high water needs, moderate drought tolerance
Mowing & Maintenance
2.5 to 4.0 inches height; weekly mowing; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level due to water and pest needs
Special Characteristics
High salt tolerance and best shade tolerance of warm-season grasses; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch disease
Ecological Information
Native to tropical coastal dunes; provides excellent erosion control in sandy soils; non-invasive in most landscapes