St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Floratam (likely based on coarse texture and blade width)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F consistently.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a lush, carpet-like appearance. It maintains a deep blue-green color in peak season but turns brown during winter dormancy. It is highly competitive against weeds once established.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct boat-shaped or rounded tip. Leaf vernation is folded in the bud. Color is medium to dark green. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Relatively shallow fibrous root system supported by thick, fleshy stolons. Low thatch tendency compared to Bermuda, but forms a dense sod that recovers moderately from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico; well-adapted to subtropical and tropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via above-ground runners), forming a dense, thick mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Preferably full sun to partial shade (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses). Requires 4-6 hours of sun. Moderate to high water needs; moderate drought tolerance but wilts quickly without moisture.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height of 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing during summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Low to medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (ideal for coastal areas), poor foot traffic tolerance compared to Bermuda, but excellent at crowding out weeds.
Ecological Information
Native to tropical coastal areas; provides soil stabilization in sandy regions. Not considered invasive in its native range but can spread into adjacent garden beds via stolons.