plant-banner1

NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Stenotaphrum secundatum

St. Augustine Grass, Carpet Grass, Charleston Grass, Buffalo Grass, Centipede Grass

Scientific Name:

Stenotaphrum secundatum

Genus:

Stenotaphrum

Species Epithet:

secundatum

Common Name:

St. Augustine Grass, Carpet Grass, Charleston Grass, Buffalo Grass, Centipede Grass

Plant Type

Grass/Sedge/Rush

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Invasive Status:

(*Key)

Size:

0-1 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

Green

Light:

Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Dry, Moist

Bloom Time:

July, August, September, October

Growing Area:

Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

“Brackish marshes, roadsides, lawns. A pioneer species of beaches and shores, S. secundatum was known from the Carolinas prior to 1800. It has been interpreted as native or introduced in our area; its original range is probably now impossible to determine.” Uncommon to infrequent on NC Outer Banks and barrier islands and southern coastal counties.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Retention:

Semi-evergreen

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Has some wildlife value

Landscape Value:

Suitable for home landscapes

State Rank:

S2: Imperiled (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Notes:

Rhizomatous, forming dense mats. Tolerant of drought and heat but not cold. Cultivars available.

Note the broad leaves and the creeping rhizomes.

Camden County, GA

The Scientific Name is Stenotaphrum secundatum. You will likely hear them called St. Augustine Grass, Carpet Grass, Charleston Grass, Buffalo Grass, Centipede Grass. This picture shows the Note the broad leaves and the creeping rhizomes. of Stenotaphrum secundatum

Larry Mellichamp

Note the flattened flower spike.

Mecklenburg County, NC, cultivated

The Scientific Name is Stenotaphrum secundatum. You will likely hear them called St. Augustine Grass, Carpet Grass, Charleston Grass, Buffalo Grass, Centipede Grass. This picture shows the Note the flattened flower spike. of Stenotaphrum secundatum

Larry Mellichamp

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record

https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/plant_list.php
 

https://nc.audubon.org/conservation/bird-friendly-communities/bird-friendly-native-plants
 

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stenotaphrum-secundatum/
 

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=STSE
 
• Permalink - (right click to save this page to your bookmarks)

<<< PREVIOUS

NEXT >>>

back to top
go to plant details search
go to plant images search
go to gallery home
back to Initial s Gallery
back to orchids
back to Carnivorous Plants
back to Trilliums