St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Floratam' (most likely given appearance and usage)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Enters brown dormancy when temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant green color throughout the growing season. It produces thick, succulent stolons that root at nodes. In unmowed states, it can reach 6-12 inches; maintained turf is dense and spongy. Seed heads are spike-like racemes with seeds embedded in a thick, flattened stem.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), short and blunt with a rounded or boat-shaped tip. Color is typically medium to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a short fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderate depth. High thatch tendency due to thick stolons. Establish speed is moderate through sod or plugs (rarely by seed). Forms a very dense, heavy sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Coastal regions of Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean; common in Gulf Coast and Southern US
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, above-ground runners); forms a dense, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun to Moderate Shade (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses). Prefers 4-6 hours minimum sun. High water needs; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, but prefers moist, well-drained slightly acidic soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5–4.0 inches. Weekly mowing frequency during peak season. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to water and pest needs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance and salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas). High wear tolerance but slow recovery from damage. Susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch (Grey Leaf Spot).
Ecological Information
Native to coastal regions. Provides soil stabilization in sandy areas. Not considered invasive in most turf applications, but can outcompete native groundcovers in humid, shaded environments.