St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' (though exact cultivar requires microscopic/genetic confirmation, the coarse blade structure is characteristic of the species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It has poor cold tolerance and will enter dormancy (turn brown) after the first hard frost. It thrives in high heat and humidity.
About This Grass
Coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass with a lush, dark green color. It is highly valued for its ability to form a thick sod that outcompetes weeds. Seed heads are inconspicuous, appearing as short, thick spikes (spikes of spikelets) embedded in a flattened rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm wide), flat to slightly folded. Tips are distinctly rounded (obtuse). Color is typically medium to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligules consist of a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is broad and continuous.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. It has a high thatch-forming tendency due to the heavy stolon production. Establishment is primarily through sod, plugs, or sprigs rather than seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and West Africa. Widely grown in the Southern United States and subtropical regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners). Forms a dense, carpet-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Shade to Full Sun; it is one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses (needs 4-6 hours minimum). Moderate to high water needs; prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height is 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Mowing frequency is weekly during the growing season. Requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas), but poor wear tolerance (recovery is slow because it lacks rhizomes). Susceptible to Large Patch (fungus) and Chinch Bugs.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides soil stabilization in coastal ecosystems. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects and reptiles. Can be invasive in sensitive wetlands if escaped from managed landscapes.