smooth cordgrass
Sporobolus alterniflorus
USDA zones5 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green with silvery underside
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Smooth cordgrass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) is a grass for low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and moist to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Leaves are green with silvery undersides that look attractive in the wind. Seeds feed a variety of birds. Give it lots of room, since it forms thick mats over time.
Pairs well with Seaside goldenrod, Deergrass, and Northwind switchgrass.
Native range
AL, CA, CT, DE, and 19 more places. See all 23
AL, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, RI, SC, TX, VA, WA; NB, NL, NS, and PE.