Science · Turfgrasses
St. Augustinegrass
Coarse, broad-bladed and the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass — a staple of Gulf and Florida landscapes.
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Gulf Coast and south; USDA 8–10
- Sun
- Full sun to moderate shade
- Mowing height
- 2.5–4 in
- Spread
- Stolons only; no seed for most cultivars
- Wear
- Poor to moderate
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~20–28%
- Salinity tolerance
- Good
- Drought tolerance
- Moderate
Shallow stolons dry quickly; overwatering invites gray leaf spot.
Problems to watch
- Chinch bugs
- Gray leaf spot
- Take-all root rot
- Large patch
Stress signs
- Yellowing patches
- Leaf folding
- Chinch-bug dieback in hot, dry spots
Where you'll find it
- Residential and HOA lawns
- Commercial landscapes in shade
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.