St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paspaleae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common St. Augustine (likely due to light green color and patchy growth)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse-textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick mat. It has a distinctive light to medium green color. In the photo, it shows a thin, patchy appearance under tree shade and competition with pine needles.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (>4mm), flat shape with a distinctively rounded or 'boat-shaped' tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. Blades are opposite on the stolons.
Root System
Extensive fibrous roots originating from stolon nodes; moderate depth; high thatch-forming tendency; slow to moderate establishment speed from plugs or sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean; adapted to humid tropical and subtropical climates
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreads via thick, creeping above-ground runners); forms a dense sod when well-maintained, though sparse in this image
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to shade (one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses); needs at least 4-5 hours of light; high water requirement; moderate drought tolerance; prefers pH 5.0 to 8.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2.5 to 4.0 inches; weekly frequency; fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance level; susceptible to Chinch bugs.
Special Characteristics
Excellent shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses; high salt tolerance; poor wear tolerance (doesn't handle heavy foot traffic well); prone to Large Patch and Gray Leaf Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; provides soil stabilization in sandy coastal areas; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates.