Stenotaphrum secundatum
St. Augustine Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm-season turfgrass characterized by folded vernation, boat-shaped blade tips, and a stoloniferous (creeping) growth habit. It thrives in USDA Zones 8 – 11 at a recommended mowing height of 3.0 – 4.0 in and optimal soil temperatures of 70°F – 85°F.
Essential tools and fertilizers calibrated for St. Augustine Grass lawn management.
Formula: Precision Gate Aperture & EdgeGuard Shield
Walk-behind rotary spreader with border control shield preventing fertilizer granules from scattering into driveways and waterways.
Formula: NPK, Micronutrients & pH Laboratory Report
Complete mail-in kit delivering accurate nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and soil pH recommendations within 7 business days.
Connect with verified turf specialists and sod farms in your region for cultivar delivery and installation.
Botanical confirmation of Stenotaphrum secundatum requires examining vegetative leaf morphology using a 10x magnification jewelers loupe. Unlike subjective leaf coloration, morphological structures remain consistent across seasonal temperature variations:
Cut a vegetative shoot cross-section near the soil surface. St. Augustine Grass exhibits folded vernation. The emerging leaf blade is folded in half along its midrib, appearing V-shaped in cross section with flattened shoot stems.
The apex of the leaf blade features a distinct boat-shaped shape. The tip resembles the keel of a canoe. When gently pinched, the tip splits down the center along two distinct translucent light lines.
At the junction between the leaf blade and sheath, St. Augustine Grass features a fringe of hairs ligule. The auricles are absent, and the collar region is broad / smooth.
St. Augustine Grass expands via a stoloniferous (creeping) growth habit. Above-ground creeping stolons root at each node, creating an impermeable dense mat.
To sustain high turf density and prevent weed encroachment in Stenotaphrum secundatum stands, follow these cultural practices:
Maintain St. Augustine Grass at 3.0 – 4.0 in. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade height in a single mowing.
Examine an un-mown vegetative shoot. St. Augustine Grass exhibits folded leaf vernation, boat-shaped tips, a fringe of hairs ligule, and absent auricles along its broad / smooth collar.
St. Augustine Grass exhibits high shade tolerance. It can persist under filtered canopy sunlight with 4-5 hours of direct sun daily.
St. Augustine Grass has moderate drought tolerance. It requires supplemental irrigation during dry periods.
