St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common (likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on blade width and stolon prominence)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormant straw-colored state when temperatures drop below 55°F; susceptible to winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a dense, spongy turf. It is a deep blue-green to medium green color and is notable for its thick, compressed stolons and flattened stems.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse (8-10mm width), flat blades with a distinct rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is continuous and constricted.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes; high thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground runners/stolons); forms a thick, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; has the best shade tolerance of warm-season grasses. High water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, requiring frequent irrigation in sandy soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency. Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level due to water needs and pest susceptibility.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal lawns); poor wear tolerance due to succulent stolons; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions of the Americas and Africa; provides soil stabilization in coastal ecosystems; generally non-invasive in non-tropical environments but can dominate local garden beds via stolons.