St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10. Poor cold tolerance, enters dormancy and turns brown below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Excellent heat tolerance.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing turfgrass with broad blades and blunt tips. Light to dark green color depending on fertility and watering. Forms a dense, spongy sod.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades, typically 4-10mm wide, flat, with blunt, rounded tips. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Short membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs, absent auricles, and continuous collar.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from nodes along the stolons. Spreads quickly by stolons, forms a thick thatch layer, moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous, spreading aggressively above ground via thick, flat runners (stolons). Forms a coarse, dense turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Performs best in full sun but has the best shade tolerance among warm-season grasses (minimum 4 hours of direct sun). High watering needs for optimal appearance; moderate drought tolerance by entering dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches. Mown every 7-10 days during growing season. High fertilizer requirements (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Poor wear tolerance compared to Bermuda or Zoysia; slow recovery from heavy traffic. Susceptible to chinch bugs and large patch disease. Good salt tolerance, making it popular in coastal areas.
Ecological Information
Introduced to many regions outside its native coastal habitat. Provides basic ground cover and erosion control in coastal soils. Low wildlife forage value compared to native grasses.