Sporobolus pumilus
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Sporobolus pumilus

Saltmeadow Cordgrass · Highwater Grass · Marsh Hay Cordgrass · Saltmeadow Grass

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
3
Observations
20

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Sporobolus pumilus, the saltmeadow cordgrass, also known as salt hay, is a species of cordgrass native to the Atlantic coast of the Americas, from Newfoundland south along the eastern United States to the Caribbean and north-eastern Mexico. It was reclassified after a taxonomic revision in 2014, but the older name, Spartina patens, may still be found in use. It can be found in marshlands in other areas of the world as an introduced species and often a harmful noxious weed or invasive species.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Saltmeadow cordgrass thrives in saline coastal marshes and adapts well to changing water levels. To stay healthy, it needs to be watered weekly. This grass grows best outdoors, where it can experience natural cycles of wet and dry conditions similar to its natural habitat. Its growth also aligns with seasonal rainfall patterns, allowing it to make the most of available water.

☀️ Light Full sun

Saltmeadow cordgrass is a herbaceous perennial that prefers sunny locations and originates from open habitats, commonly occurring in meadows and grasslands. It favors full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Saltmeadow cordgrass can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can increase the likelihood of Saltmeadow cordgrass dying. In winter, appropriate protection from cold can improve the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Saltmeadow cordgrass needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, applying compost around the plant’s base can supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports robust growth and helps the plant resist diseases and pests.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Saltmeadow cordgrass is a hardy perennial grass that benefits from early spring pruning. By trimming away dead growth, you encourage the development of new shoots and improve the plant’s overall health. During its active growth phase, cut the grass back to just above soil level. This enhances air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and improves the appearance of your landscape.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Grass
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Sporobolus
Family
Poaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
0.3 m to 1.22 m
Mature Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White, Yellow, Green, Brown
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Bahamas, Cuba, Georgia, Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

Tags (5)

Common Names (4)

en Saltmeadow Cordgrass
en Highwater Grass
en Marsh Hay Cordgrass
en Saltmeadow Grass