St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Floratam' (likely based on coarse texture in image)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; turns brown and dormant when temperatures drop below 55°F; cannot survive sustained freezing.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass with a vibrant green to blue-green color. It forms a thick, carpet-like sod that crowds out most weeds. Seed heads consist of a spike-like raceme with seeds embedded in the rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Broad, coarse blades (8-10mm width) with a distinctive rounded/obtuse tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Color ranges from deep green to blue-green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; collar is constricted.
Root System
Extensive fibrous root system primarily arising from stolon nodes; moderate depth; high thatch-forming tendency; establishes via sod, plugs, or sprigs rather than seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners (stolons); rapid spreading and dense mat-forming habit
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but has excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass (needs at least 4-5 hours); high water requirement; moderate drought tolerance but wilt-prone without irrigation.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches; frequency: every 7-10 days; fertilization: 3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; requires regular dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance for warm-season grass; high salt tolerance; moderate wear tolerance; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot; excellent for coastal lawns.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; provides good soil stabilization for coastal erosion; low wildlife value beyond cover; can be invasive in sensitive riparian ecosystems.