St. Augustine Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

St. Augustine Grass

Stenotaphrum secundatum

Dense, lush green carpet softens walkways and lawns. Warm-season turfgrass; common name: buffalo turf.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun; tolerates moderate partial shade but may thin in heavy shade
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Watering Water deeply once or twice weekly to encourage deep root growth; avoid frequent shallow watering
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Temperature Optimal growth at 24–32°C; dormant below 10°C and may die back in hard freezes
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Flat, bright green blades (5–10 mm wide) with rounded tips; smooth texture
  • Stem: Thick, creeping stolons that root at nodes to form dense mats
  • Inflorescence: Spike-like racemes held 10–15 cm above foliage (seldom visible in managed turf)
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; reduce watering during heavy rainfall

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once monthly. Cease fertilization in late autumn to prepare turf for dormancy

Composted coffee grounds tea:Use fully composted coffee grounds, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw grounds to prevent soil pH imbalance
Pruning
  • Mow to a height of 5–7 cm during active growth; avoid scalping to prevent stress
  • Remove thatch buildup annually in early spring to improve airflow and nutrient uptake
  • Edge turf borders regularly to maintain neat, defined lines
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; safe for incidental contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Turfgrass for residential lawns, golf courses, and coastal erosion control