St. Augustine Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum

St. Augustine Grass is a spreading turfgrass that is native to the southeastern U.S.A. as well as South America and Africa.  Originating along the Atlantic Ocean, it can be found along sandy beaches, Swamp and lagoons edges, island streams, lakes, marshes and along roadsides. 

It is commonly used as pasture grass and also grown as a lawn. This plant is heat tolerant and mildly drought tolerant. There are many cultivars of this plant available. This plant spreads by rhizomes and if used as lawn grass, it rarely needs mowing. It is sold by turf or plugs and rarely propagates by seed.

Its dense, tight structure makes it resistant to weed infestation.  It's known to improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration rates and also increases the soils water retention capacity.  

Grown as a lawn, it will grow in most soils that are found in the southern states.  It has a high shade tolerance, making it a better choice than other southern grasses.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Spreading by stolons or runners, it can expand into unwanted locations.  

Its wear tolerance is low.  Not recommended for use in high traffic locations such as a sports field.  

Its drought tolerant is low, it will lose its color under dry conditions.