Spartina cynosuroides, commonly known as Big Cordgrass or Salt Reedgrass, is a rhizomatous perennial grass that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It is native to coastal salt marshes and brackish wetlands in the eastern and southern United States, where it plays a crucial role in shoreline stabilization and provides habitat for wildlife. The leaves of Big Cordgrass are robust, reaching up to 24 inches in length and an inch in width, with a stem diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch at the base. The plant features a yellow inflorescence with up to 40 spikes, each up to 3 inches long, which bloom in late summer to fall.

Big Cordgrass is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging coastal environments, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and wetland restoration projects. It is also used in ornamental water gardens and naturalized areas for its tall, striking form and the textural contrast it provides. This species requires full sun and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from standing water to occasional flooding, and is adaptable to various soil drainage types. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can become invasive outside of its native range, so caution is advised when planting in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0