St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam (most common coarse-textured cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, sensitive to heavy frost and prolonged freezing temperatures.
About This Grass
Forms a lush, dense, coarse-textured turf with flat blades and a bright to dark green color. Height ranges from 1 to 3 inches when maintained. Seed heads are flattened spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture with wide blades (greater than 4mm), flat shape, blunt or rounded tips, folded vernation in the bud, and a short membranous ligule.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. Forms a thick layer of thatch quickly and establishes moderately fast from sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, coastal areas of the Americas, and West Africa. Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively stoloniferous, forming a thick, dense, carpet-like mat via above-ground runners.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than many warm-season grasses). Needs regular watering, moderate to high drought tolerance once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 2.5 to 3.5 inches with sharp rotary mower blades. Medium maintenance level requiring regular fertilization and frequent watering.
Special Characteristics
Good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, moderate salt tolerance, poor heavy traffic tolerance compared to Bermuda, excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced/cultivated widely in coastal regions, provides moderate wildlife cover, forms dense monocultures that naturally crowd out many weeds.