St. Augustine Grass

Stenotaphrum secundatum

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Stenotaphrum
Species:
Stenotaphrum secundatum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Ground Cover:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virginia, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

dark sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis), black patch (Paratrytone melane), Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala), Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), Hermes Satyr (Hermeuptychia hermes), Julia's Skipper (Nastra julia), Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela), Red Satyr (Megisto rubricata), Sachem (Atalopedes campestris), southern broken dash (Wallengrenia otho), Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton), Whirlabout (Polites vibex)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained sandy loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in coastal areas with salt tolerance