St. Augustine grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Floratam
About this plant
Stenotaphrum secundatum, known as St. Augustine grass, is a popular warm-season lawn grass with broad, flat blades and a dense growth habit. It forms a thick, carpet-like turf that is good for lawns in warm, humid regions. It is valued for its shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses and its ability to withstand heat and drought once established.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Stenotaphrum
- Family
- Poaceae
- Higher classification
- Poales (order)
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Southeastern United States, Caribbean
- Distribution
- Widely grown in the southern United States, parts of Central and South America, Australia, and other warm coastal regions worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Partial sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–7 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 38 °C
- Optimal
- 20-30 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 8-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil type
- well-draining loam, sandy soil
Watering. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Typically, watering 2-3 times per week during dry periods is sufficient.
Fertilizing. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, typically every 6 to 8 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can promote disease and excessive thatch.
St. Augustine grass is a tough, fast-growing lawn grass that tolerates heat, humidity, and some shade. It prefers warm climates and needs moderate watering. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root problems, but generally it requires low maintenance.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- No
Dense, lush green turf with broad leaves that create a soft, carpet-like appearance.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Low spread
Non-toxic to humans and pets; safe for lawns where children and animals play.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen
- Pollen level
- Low
Stenotaphrum secundatum, commonly known as St. Augustine grass, produces little airborne pollen, so it rarely causes allergies. However, people sensitive to grass pollen might experience mild reactions like sneezing or itchy eyes during mowing or heavy growth periods. To reduce exposure, avoid mowing when pollen levels are high and keep the lawn well-maintained.
Common problems
Common problems include fungal diseases if overwatered or in poorly drained soil, and damage from pests like chinch bugs. It may also thin out in heavy shade or cold temperatures.
Uses
Primarily used as a lawn grass in warm climates due to its dense growth and shade tolerance. Also used for erosion control and landscaping.
Notes
Mowing height should be kept between 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) for best health. Avoid heavy foot traffic when wet to prevent damage. Overseeding is not common due to its growth habit.