St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Floratam-type (likely a widely used residential variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10; poor cold tolerance; will go dormant (turn brown) after the first hard frost; excellent heat tolerance.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass with a vibrant medium to dark green color. It forms a thick sod and features characteristic 'V' shaped seed heads (racemes) that are embedded in a flattened, corky stem (rachis).
Blade Characteristics
Coarse width (>4mm), folded in the bud (folded vernation), rounded/blunt tips, smooth texture except for the edges, prominent midrib. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous roots originating from nodes along the stolons; moderate depth; slow to moderate establishment speed; moderate thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, and West Africa; thrives in subtropical/tropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, prominent above-ground runners); creates a dense, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full sun (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses); needs 4-6 hours of sun; moderate to high water requirements; average drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.0-8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5-4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; medium maintenance; requires periodic dethatching if over-fertilized.
Special Characteristics
High salt tolerance (excellent for coastal areas); excellent shade tolerance for a warm-season grass; moderate wear tolerance; susceptible to Chinch Bugs and Large Patch (fungus).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; provides soil stabilization for coastal dunes; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects/reptiles; non-invasive in most managed landscapes.
Notes
Tallest stalks of grass