St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common (likely Floratam or Palmetto based on leaf width and color)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance; turns brown and becomes dormant below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant medium-to-dark green color. It forms a thick, spongy mat and produces compressed, spike-like seed heads on short stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), flat shape with rounded or boat-shaped tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Color is emerald to dark green. Features a short, fringed membranous ligule and no auricles, with a continuous, smooth collar.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. High thatch-forming tendency, slow to moderate establishment from plugs/sod, and excellent sod-forming density.
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 rapidly via thick, creeping above-ground runners (stolons) to form a dense, carpet-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; known as one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses. High water requirements; requires regular irrigation to prevent wilting. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0-8.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during growing season. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to water and dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance for coastal areas, poor foot traffic tolerance, susceptible to Large Patch (fungus) and Chinch bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides heavy ground cover for soil stabilization and erosion control. Non-invasive in dry areas but can dominate wet, coastal ecosystems.