St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, and Erosion Control Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto' (indicated by coarse texture and broad blades)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance. Enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F consistently. No frost tolerance.
About This Grass
Strongly stoloniferous perennial with a coarse texture and low-growing, mat-forming habit. Color is typically a medium to dark emerald green. Seed heads are spike-like racemes with seeds embedded in a thick, flattened rachis.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades (8-10mm width), flat with a distinctively rounded or blunt tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. Color is vibrant green to blue-green.
Root System
Fibrous root system mixed with extensive surface stolons; moderate depth (6-12 inches). Low thatch tendency compared to Bermuda, but forms a very dense surface layer. Moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and West Africa. Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads rapidly via thick, above-ground runners (stolons) to form a dense, carpet-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but has excellent shade tolerance (for a warm-season grass). Requires moderate to high water; low drought tolerance compared to Bermuda or Zoysia. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft per year. Low to medium maintenance, though prone to fungal issues in high humidity.
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; good salt tolerance (excellent for coastal areas); poor wear tolerance due to succulent stolons; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many coastal regions. Provides excellent soil stabilization on banks and prevents erosion. Low wildlife value, mainly used for functional ground cover and aesthetics.