St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Floratam-type (likely a broad-leaf residential cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown after the first hard frost; excellent heat tolerance.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It is known for its vibrant medium-to-dark green color and wide, blunt blades. It maintains a dense mat that is highly effective at crowding out weeds.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is coarse (8-10mm); vernation is folded; the blade tip is distinctly rounded or boat-shaped; blades are flat and wide with a smooth texture; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous root system supported by thick, fleshy stolons; moderate depth; high thatch-forming tendency; moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and West Africa; adapted to humid subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via aggressive above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum); high shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; moderate to high water needs; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.0 to 8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization of 2-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; medium to high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance (good for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance; susceptible to Large Patch and Chinch Bugs.
Ecological Information
Commonly introduced for landscaping in the Southern US; provides soil stabilization; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates; not considered invasive in residential managed landscapes.