Spartina alterniflora
Photo by Shirley Denton. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 11 8A 8B 9A 9B
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Saltmarsh Cordgrass, Smooth Cordgrass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 2-6 ft | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | Yellow | |
| Phenology: | Evergreen | |
| Habitats: | Salt marsh, tidal flats, beaches. |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Used for shoreline protection. A major saltmarsh plant. Useful for erosion control. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | Stays Wet ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Tolerant of frequent or regular inundation (usually areas with tidal inundation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Loam, Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
Birds and other animals eat the seeds.
Larval food for Louisiana eyed silkmoth (Automeris louisiana)