St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
'Floratam' or similar broad-bladed cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10; poor cold tolerance, goes dormant and turns brown in winter frosts.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, coarse-textured turf with flat blades and a vibrant medium to dark green color. Grows low to the ground and spreads rapidly to create a thick carpet.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades greater than 4mm wide, flat shape, rounded or blunt tips, folded in the bud (vernation), with a membranous ligule and absent auricles.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system with thick stolons; moderate thatch-forming tendency and rapid surface spread.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean; widely cultivated in the southern United States.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous, spreading aggressively above ground via robust runners.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than most warm-season grasses); high watering needs during establishment and active growth; moderate drought tolerance by entering dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height between 2.5 to 4 inches, high maintenance level with regular fertilization and watering.
Special Characteristics
Moderate wear tolerance, poor traffic recovery compared to Bermuda, good salt tolerance, excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass.
Ecological Information
Introduced/cultivated turfgrass in many regions, provides standard urban ecosystem benefits, forms dense monocultures that naturally crowd out weeds.