St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or 'Floratam' type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Excellent heat tolerance; very poor cold tolerance. Becomes dormant (brown) when temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass known for its dark green color and wide blades. It establishes a thick sod that crowds out weeds. It turns tan or brown during winter dormancy in cooler climates.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (8-10mm), flat shape with a distinct rounded (boat-shaped) tip. Color is typically deep blue-green to medium green. Vernation is folded, and it possesses a short, fringe-like hairy ligule with no auricles.
Root System
Fibrous and relatively shallow to moderate depth, primarily supported by vigorous stolons. It has a high thatch-forming tendency and moderate establishment speed from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads aggressively via thick above-ground runners); forms a coarse, dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial Sun to Full Sun; one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses (needs 4-6 hours). High water requirement; poor drought tolerance compared to Bermuda, prefers moist, well-drained soils with pH 5.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches. Frequency: weekly during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching; aerate annually in spring. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, high salt tolerance (coastal suitable), moderate wear tolerance but slow recovery. Susceptible to Chinch bugs and Large Patch (fungus).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Provides soil stabilization in coastal areas. Low wildlife value in manicured turf but offers cover. Can be invasive in sensitive wetlands due to aggressive stolon growth.