St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae (Tribe: Paniceae)
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' based on coarse blade width and stolon vigor
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy early in cool weather.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass with a high degree of salt tolerance. It forms a thick, carpet-like mat that is medium to dark green in color. It exhibits rapid growth during hot, humid months and turns brown/dormant when temperatures drop below 55 degrees F.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (>8mm wide), flat, with a distinctively rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is narrow and continuous.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes; high thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment from sod or plugs; poor wear recovery due to lack of rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, and Western Africa; adapted to humid tropical and subtropical coastal regions
Growth Habit
Strongly Stoloniferous; spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners that root at nodes to form a dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Shade to Full Sun; 4-6 hours minimum sun. High water requirements; requires regular irrigation during dry spells. Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance due to susceptibility to pests and water needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance; highly susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch (Rhizoctonia).
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions; provides good soil stabilization; low wildlife value in turf form; can be aggressive in native maritime hammocks but generally non-invasive in inland areas.