St. Augustinegrass

Stenotaphrum secundatum

A dark green, leafy perennial creeping by extensive stolons. It provides a rather coarse, spongy turf in areas of the deep south. Found from southern Florida into Georgia and around the Gulf Coast through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Occasionally cultivated in southern California.

Identifying Characteristics

Stolons: Present
Rhizomes: Absent
Leaves: Folded in the bud
Ligule: A short fringe of hairs
Collar: Broad, smooth, much constricted
Auricles: Absent
Sheaths: Compressed, flattened, with a prominent mid-vein, sometimes sparsely hair along the edges
Blades: Very short, smooth, at least 0.25 inch wide, with a 'boat-shaped' tip
Seedhead: A thick spike with few spikelets imbedded along the sides
Spikelets: Thick, elliptical, with one seed

Recommendations

Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
Establishment: Sod
Fertilization: 2 to 5 lbs/1000ft²/Year
Adaptation: Coastal Plains

St. Augustinegrass Lawn Calendar

St. Augustinegrass Front

St. Augustinegrass Back

Tolerance Table