St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Floratam' or 'Palmetto'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-10; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a lush, deep green color. Produces thick stolons and flattened stems with terminal spikelet seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), folded vernation, rounded or boat-shaped tips, dark green color, absent auricles, and short fringe of hairs for a ligule.
Root System
Fibrous, moderate depth; forms dense sod via aggressive stolons; low thatch tendency if properly managed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and West Indies
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads via thick above-ground runners to form a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; high shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; moderate water needs; moderate drought tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; weekly mowing; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen/1000 sq ft annually; medium maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance, high salt tolerance for coastal areas, low traffic tolerance compared to Bermuda.
Ecological Information
Introduced in some areas, native in others; provides some cover for small wildlife; effective for soil stabilization in sandy coastal soils.