St. Augustinegrass

Latin Name: Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze

Growth Habit: Stoloniferous

Vernation: Folded

Leaf: Flat, smooth on both surfaces, with a blunt tip

Ligule: Fringe of hairs

Auricles: Absent

Inflorescence: Spicate, with spikelets partially embedded in the rachis

Description: St. Augustinegrass is a warm-season turfgrass that spreads laterally by stolons and is one of the most widely planted turfgrass species in Texas, particularly in urban environments. This is due to its superior shade tolerance relative to other warm-season grasses as well as its deep rooting potential and drought tolerance. It also performs well when mowed with a rotary mower at higher mowing heights, relative to other warm-season species, which makes it a popular choice for use in home lawns.

Strengths: Shade tolerance, drought tolerance, deep rooting potential, and rapid establishment.

Weaknesses: Cold tolerance, disease potential, traffic tolerance, and chinch bugs.

Recommended Mowing Height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches

Recommended Mowing Frequency: Weekly using a rotary mower

Fertilization Requirements: 2 to 4 lbs N per 1,000 ft² per year. Single application rates should range from 0.5 to 1 lb of N per 1,000 ft² applied during the summer growing season.