Spartina alterniflora
saltmarsh cordgrass, smooth cordgrass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Plant Specifics
Form:
grass
Size:
2-6 ft
Life Span:
long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
yellow
Fruit Color:
Phenology:
evergreen
Noted For:
Interesting Foliage
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Used for shoreline protection. A major saltmarsh plant. Useful for erosion control.
Considerations:
Light:
Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
Stays wet ---- to ---- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Unknown
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salt.
Soil or Other Substrate:
Sand, Loam
Suitable to Grow In:
8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11
Ecology
Wildlife:
Caterpillars, Birds
Larval food for Louisiana eyed silkmoth ( Automeris louisiana )
Birds and other animals eat the seeds.
Native Habitats:
Salt marsh, tidal flats, beaches.
