Fauna
Plant

Saint Augustine Grass

Stenotaphrum secundatum

Also known as Buffalo Turf, Buffalo Grass, Charleston Grass

Saint Augustine grass spreads vigorously via flattened stolons that root at the nodes, creating a coarse, dense carpet of broad, blue-green leaf blades. Naturally adapted to coastal environments, it exhibits high salt tolerance and thrives in warm, humid climates where other lawn grasses struggle. It stands out among warm-season grasses for its ability to maintain growth under moderate shade from tree canopies.

Warm-SeasonTurfgrassCoastal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Southern Chinch Bug
  • Sod Webworm
  • Lawn Armyworm
ThreatsChinch bug infestations, fungal diseases, prolonged freezing temperatures
HabitatsCoastal dunes, lawns, pastures, riverbanks, disturbed coastal sites
Life spanPerennial
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyPoaceae
  3. GenusStenotaphrum
  4. SpeciesStenotaphrum secundatum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for broad, flat blades with rounded tips and coarse, thick stolons creeping across the soil surface.
  • Lawn Maintenance: Keep mowing height around 8 to 10 centimeters to protect the dense stolon layer beneath.
  • Observation: Check leaf sheaths for small sap-sucking insects during warm, dry periods.
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