Correctly identifying grasses is no easy task, but it is crucial when it comes to maintaining a lawn. Incorrect identification can lead to improper management practices, resulting in a poor quality stand or even plant death. Two warm-season turfgrasses commonly used in South Carolina lawns but often misidentified are centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) and St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum). Both types of grass produce stolons, commonly called runners, and inflorescence (seedheads or flowers) that, at first glance, can appear similar.
Some key characteristics to look for include their leaf tips, stolons, and inflorescence. The leaf blades of centipedegrass typically have strong creases and appear folded, coming to a narrow point. The leaf blades of St. Augustinegrass are normally much wider than most other grass, with a flatter appearance and a more rounded or blunt tip.
The leaf blades of centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) typically have strong creases and appear folded, coming to a narrow point.
Adam Gore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
The leaf blades of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) are normally much wider than most other grass, with a flatter appearance and a more rounded or blunt tip.
Adam Gore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
When looking at the stolons, the leaves of centipedegrass are alternately arranged, whereas St. Augustinegrass has an opposite leaf arrangement.
Centipedegrass has leaves that are alternately arranged on the stolon.
Adam Gore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
St. Augustinegrass has oppositely arranged leaves along the stolon.
Adam Gore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
The seedhead of centipedegrass has a more dainty or slender spike-like raceme, whereas St. Augustinegrass has a similar chunky spike with spikelets embedded along the sides.
Centipedegrass seedheads are more dainty, slender, spike-like racemes.
Adam Gore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
The seedhead of St. Augustinegrass has a similar chunky spike with spikelets embedded along the sides.
Adam Gore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Depending on the site, each grass can make a beautiful lawn with proper maintenance. For more information on the management of each grass, see HGIC 1215, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program or HGIC 1218, St. Augustinegrass Yearly Maintenance Program.
