Gulf Cordgrass
(Sporobolus spartinae)
Gulf Cordgrass (Sporobolus spartinae)
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jim isleib
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jim isleib
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: jim isleib | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: jim isleib | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-27T13:22:29Z |






















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Sporobolus spartinae, commonly known as Gulf Cordgrass or Sacahuista, is a perennial grass that is native to coastal prairies, salt marshes, and dunes along the Gulf of Mexico. It is well-adapted to saline environments. This species forms dense clumps of sharp-tipped, wiry leaves, which can be a deterrent to foot traffic and grazing animals. The stems of Gulf Cordgrass may grow up to 2 meters tall, and the inflorescence is a cylindrical panicle up to 70 centimeters long, which typically appears from late summer to fall. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do produce abundant seeds that are important for wildlife.
Gulf Cordgrass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and protect shorelines from erosion, making it an excellent choice for coastal restoration projects. It is also used in ornamental plantings for its texture and form, particularly in xeriscaping. This grass thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of various soil moisture conditions, from well-drained to poorly drained soils. It is also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for seaside gardens. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in cultivated settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Gulf Cordgrass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and protect shorelines from erosion, making it an excellent choice for coastal restoration projects. It is also used in ornamental plantings for its texture and form, particularly in xeriscaping. This grass thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of various soil moisture conditions, from well-drained to poorly drained soils. It is also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for seaside gardens. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in cultivated settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal prairies, salt marshes, and dunes along the Gulf of Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Spartina spartinae, Sporobolus spartinae, Spartina argentinensis, Spartina junciformis, Spartina densiflora var. obtusa, Spartina gouinii, Spartina pittieri, Agrostis castellana var. heterophylla, Spartina densiflora var. junciformis
GBIF Accepted Name: Sporobolus spartinae (Trin.) P.M.Peterson & Saarela