St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Floratam' (likely based on coarse texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It is deep green to blue-green in color and maintains color well into the fall. It is known for its high density and relative inability to be grown from seed (typically established via sod or plugs).
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades, 4-10mm wide; flat with a distinct 'v' shape at the base; rounded or boat-shaped tips; light to dark green color; folded vernation; fringe of hairs for a ligule; lack of auricles; broad and conspicuous collar.
Root System
Fibrous root system with moderate depth; highly stoloniferous; moderate thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed; excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas; well-adapted to subtropical and tropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads by thick, creeping above-ground runners); forms a dense, thick mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Sun to Full Sun (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses); requires at least 4-5 hours of sun; moderate to high water needs; moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without water.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 2.5 to 4.0 inches; frequency: weekly during peak growth; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year; occasional dethatching; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; high salt tolerance (excellent for coastal areas); moderate wear tolerance; susceptible to Chinch bugs and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Native to tropical coastal areas; provides excellent soil stabilization; non-invasive in most managed landscapes; usually grown as a monostand rather than in mixes due to its aggressive stolons.