St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine or 'Floratam' (likely, given coarse texture and wide blades)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; enters dormant tan-colored state when temperatures consistently drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant deep green to blue-green color. It forms a thick, spongy mat that crowds out most weeds. Seed heads appear as short, thick spikes with small seeds embedded on one side of the rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct rounded or blunt boat-shaped tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent; collar is constricted and narrow.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous roots originating from stolon nodes. High thatch-tendency due to thick stolon mat; establishment is slow to moderate, usually via sod or plugs rather than seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Western Africa; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners/stolons); forms a dense, carpet-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun; one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses (needs 4-6 hours direct light). Requires regular watering; moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without moisture.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 3.5 to 4.0 inches. Mowed every 7-10 days. Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level due to water needs and susceptibility to thatch buildup.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas); poor wear/traffic tolerance due to thick stolons; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides thick ground cover for soil stabilization; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates. Often used in coastal landscapes to prevent sand erosion.