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 / Floratam (Likely based on blade width and stolon structure)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (damaged by prolonged freezing); enters dormancy below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a thick, spongy carpet. It features wide blades and thick, compressed stolons that often exhibit a reddish or purplish tint. It maintains a deep green color in warm weather but turns tan or brown during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct boat-shaped to rounded tip. Blades are folded in the bud (folded vernation). Color is medium to dark green. The ligule is a short fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is continuous and somewhat constricted.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow compared to other warm-season grasses, though stolons provide extensive surface coverage. Moderate thatch accumulation; establishment speed is moderate via sod or plugs.
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 primarily through thick, creeping above-ground stolons that root at nodes to form a dense mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); among the most shade-tolerant of warm-season grasses. High water needs; prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.0 to 8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height of 3.0 to 4.0 inches; frequency every 7-14 days. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching; maintenance level is medium to high due to water and pest monitoring.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance due to succulent stolons; susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch (Grey Leaf Spot).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides soil stabilization in coastal sandy areas; low wildlife value in managed lawns; non-invasive in temperate zones but can spread in tropical wetlands.