St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10. Exhibits low cold tolerance and can be damaged by temperatures below freezing. Not suitable for the transition zone as a permanent lawn.
About This Grass
Forms a coarse-textured, dense turf with a bright to dark blue-green color. Mowed height typically maintained between 2.5 and 4 inches. Unmowed, it can grow up to 6 to 12 inches tall with flattened stems and spikes of spikelets.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture with wide blades greater than 4mm, flat shape, blunt or rounded tips, folded in the bud (vernation), smooth texture, prominent midvein, membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs, and absent auricles.
Root System
Moderate root depth with a fibrous root system anchored by thick stolons. Forms a moderate thatch layer, establishes relatively quickly from sod, and has moderate drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical regions along the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; widely cultivated in warm, humid coastal areas.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous, spreading rapidly via aggressive, thick above-ground runners (stolons) to form a coarse, dense turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade with a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. High watering needs for optimal appearance, moderate drought tolerance by entering dormancy during dry spells. Prefers moist, well-draining soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4 inches using a rotary mower. Requires frequent mowing during the active growing season. Fertilization needs are moderate to high (2 to 5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires periodic dethatching and high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Moderate traffic and wear tolerance, susceptible to chinch bugs, take-all root rot, and brown patch. Poor cold tolerance, excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses, good salt tolerance, and forms a dense barrier against weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced to many regions outside its native range. Provides limited wildlife habitat in urban settings, excellent soil stabilization on coastal sandy soils, and serves as a primary turf option in warm, humid coastal zones.