St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, sensitive to severe cold and freezing temperatures.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Variety / Cultivar
Floratam (known for coarse texture and dark blue-green color)
About This Grass
Forms a thick, coarse turf with flat blades and blunt tips. Unmowed height can reach 6 to 12 inches, maintained at 2.5 to 4 inches. Color ranges from medium to dark green, turning brown during winter dormancy in colder regions.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades greater than 4mm wide, flat shape with rounded, blunt tips. Folded vernation in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles absent, collar is continuous.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from stolon nodes. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency, establishes quickly from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, coastal areas, and tropical regions globally; well-adapted to the southern United States and tropical climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively stoloniferous, forming a dense, coarse-textured mat via above-ground runners.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to moderate shade (more shade tolerant than most warm-season grasses). High water needs during active growth; moderate drought tolerance entering dormancy during severe dry spells.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 2.5 to 4 inches using a sharp rotary mower. High maintenance, requires 2 to 4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, regular irrigation, and periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Moderate wear tolerance, poor traffic recovery due to stolon growth habit, good salt tolerance, excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season turfgrasses.
Ecological Information
Introduced/cultivated widely in coastal zones, provides dense ground cover for erosion control, offers limited wildlife habitat, susceptible to chinch bugs and take-all root rot.