St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine (likely, based on the medium-green color and visible stolons; could also be 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy below 55°F; can be killed by prolonged freezing temperatures.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with wide blades and a creeping habit. It is known for its vibrant green color and ability to form a thick sod that crowds out weeds. It turns brown during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (6-10mm); flat shape with a distinct 'v' fold near the base; rounded or boat-shaped tips; medium to dark green; folded vernation; short, fringe-like hairy ligule; auricles are absent; collar is constricted and narrow.
Root System
Fibrous and shallow to moderate depth; primarily spreads via thick stolons; produces moderate thatch; slow to moderate establishment from plugs or sod (rarely grown from seed).
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads aggressively via thick, above-ground runners); forms a dense, coarse-textured mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Moderate Shade (most shade-tolerant of warm-season grasses); requires at least 4-6 hours of sun; high water needs; moderate drought tolerance; prefers well-drained fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5–4.0 inches; mow every 7-10 days; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; medium-high maintenance; requires periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas); moderate wear tolerance but slow to recover from heavy traffic compared to Bermuda.
Ecological Information
Native to coastal areas of the Americas and Africa; used for soil stabilization in coastal regions; provides cover for small invertebrates; non-invasive in most upland ecosystems but can spread in moist lawn environments.