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The Basics of Growing Cord Grass – Everything You Need to Know

By: Melissa Pino Published: 11 Jun, 24

Saltmarsh cordgrass closeup with green leaves

Cordgrass, or Spartina, is a genus of tough, salt-tolerant grasses native to coastal regions.

These full sun-loving plants are versatile and play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, stabilizing shorelines, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Although they’re low-maintenance, knowing their sun, water, and soil needs is essential.

I’ll explain how to grow and care for cord grass in this quick guide.

Let’s explore the basics of growing cord grass to add a touch of coastal flair to your garden!

Quick Cord Grass Details

Cordgrass with green leaves in the garden

Scientific Name: Spartina spp.
Other Common Names: Cordgrass, Pacific cordgrass, sand cordgrass, smooth cordgrass
Native Regions: Atlantic coast of North and South America, Europe, Africa, Baja California
Family: Poaceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Height When Fully Grown: 1 to 10 feet (0.3-3m)

Cord grass, part of the Spartina genus, includes 16 rare species of perennial grasses in the Poaceae family. It grows wild year-round in moist marshlands or mudflats and often forms dense colonies.

Prairie cord grass (Spartina pectinata) and Gulf cord grass (Spartina spartinae) are the most widely distributed species in North America.

They’re tough, drought-resistant and, once planted, great for erosion control, thanks to their dense growth and extensive root systems.

These grasses come in various heights and range from knee-high to a full 10 feet. From what I’ve observed, they typically grow in clumps and have hollow stems.

Their tall, stiff leaf blades and distinctive flower spikes along the stems add a unique look and texture to any lawn or garden.

They spread vegetatively through rhizomes, which allow new plants to emerge from underground stems. While some types are beneficial, others can become invasive outside their native areas.

NOTE: Though some botanists classify Spartina under Sporobolus, gardeners often use the established term “Spartina” for these coastal grasses. I’ll refer to them by that term for familiarity.

Popular Cordgrass Species

Here are some common species of cord grass.

Saltmarsh Cord Grass (Spartina alterniflora)

Saltmarsh cord grass is found along the Atlantic coast.

This perennial grass thrives in intertidal wetlands, particularly salt marshes, where rivers open into the sea.

Prairie Cord Grass (Spartina pectinata)

Widely distributed across North America, this plant variety is valued for its robust growth and ability to thrive in ponds or wet gardens.

This green, warm-season grass has sharp-edged leaves that turn yellow in autumn.

I’ve found it thrives in full sun to part shade and is best grown in fertile, moist to wet loams. That said, it can also tolerate sandy or rocky soils.

Spartina pectinata is typically wind-pollinated over its 1-2 week blooming period.

Gulf Cord Grass (Spartina spartinae)

Gulf cordgrass is native along the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to Florida.

Gulf cord grass grows up to 80 inches high. This plant’s long, slender leaves end in a spine-like tip. Gulf cordgrass blooms in spring and summer, thrives in moist to wet areas, and is moderately tolerant of saline conditions.

From my observations, this cord grass usually grows in flood-prone spots but is mostly native to upper banks above sea level.

Sand Cordgrass (Spartina bakeri)

Sand cordgrass is a tall perennial grass native to Florida.

It thrives in full sun and sandy soils and is highly drought-tolerant. I recommend using this variety for landscapes, especially around beaches, ponds, and wetlands.

It spreads through roots and seeds, forming dense clumps that help with erosion control.

Sand cordgrass’s resilience and low maintenance make it popular for commercial and residential plantings. It’ll work well for accents, borders, or mixed gardens.

5. California Cord Grass (Spartina foliosa)

This variety is native to the salt marshes and mudflats of coastal California and Baja California.

It grows from short rhizomes, producing thick, fleshy stems up to 1.5 meters high, with long, narrow, green or purple-tinged leaves.

The species is threatened by the non-native S. alterniflora, which hybridizes with S. foliosa, leading to genetic pollution.

This has driven pure S. foliosa to a near-extinct state in its native areas like San Francisco Bay.

Common Cord Grass (Sporobolus anglicus)

Common cord grass is native to England and grows 1-4 feet high in intertidal zones. It spreads aggressively through stout, white rhizomes.

Its green to grayish-green leaves are typically smooth and flat, 0.2-0.6 inches wide. Its flowers form on upright panicles with overlapping spikelets.

Its rapid spread can be both beneficial and problematic in coastal habitats.

Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens)

Saltmeadow cordgrass is a tufted perennial warm-season grass that typically grows 1-4 feet high, in my experience. This variety spreads through seeds and underground roots.

It’s native to the southeastern coast of North America and is found in the following areas:

Brackish marshlands
Low dunes
Sand flats
Beaches
High salt marshes

Its light green, narrow leaves with inrolled margins fall in winter and regrow each spring.

Being native to the East Coast, it’s an important food and shelter source for local wildlife.

However, on the West Coast, it disrupts habitats by converting mudflats to high marshlands. This affects the feeding and nesting habitat of native fauna.

Creating Ideal Growing Conditions

If you want your cord grass to thrive, recreate its native habitat as closely as possible. Here’s my quick breakdown of what it needs to be happy and healthy.

Climate and Humidity

These plants prefer moisture, so they’ll thrive in coastal areas where the sea keeps the wind moist.

However, some varieties like prairie cord grass have adapted to less humid inland environments, though they still prefer wet environments.

So, whether you plant cord grass near the coast or inland, I recommend ensuring your cord grass has access to moderate to high humidity to help it thrive.

Best Hardiness Zones

In my experience, cord grass generally thrives best in warmer climates.

It’s perfect for those living in USDA Zones 5-10, though there are exceptions, like prairie cord grass. This particular variety can withstand much colder conditions down to Zone 3.

Sun Exposure

While cord grass thrives at the water’s edge, it also adapts well to dry, sandy areas.

Regardless of the species, cord grass needs full sun to grow well. It should get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

While it can handle some shade, it thrives best with full sun.

Sand cordgrass, for example, does best in full sun and becomes drought-tolerant once established.

Cord Grass Watering Needs

Cord grass has moderate watering needs and will do best in consistently moist soil.

While it becomes drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is crucial during full sun periods, especially for young plants.

Additionally, I’ve found that different species have varying water requirements.

For example, Distichlis spicata, native to salt marsh areas in California, has adapted to handle salty conditions. It can tolerate being watered once a week.

However, species like Prairie cordgrass, although drought-tolerant, may need more watering during summer.

Soil Type for Cord Grass

Cord grass thrives in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soils. It can grow in sandy, clay, and loamy soils— along with full sun and sufficient moisture.

I recommend planting it in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7) for the best results.

Amending garden soil with organic matter can help simulate the nutrient-rich conditions of cord grass’s native habitat.

Cord Grass Issues

Growing cord grass has challenges, but my tips will help you handle them effectively.

As an Invasive Species

Cord grass, while beneficial in its native regions, can become invasive when introduced to non-native areas.

This can also occur when clusters of cord grass or seeds fall, break off, drift across bays, and take root in new locations.

In places like California, species like smooth cord grass can outcompete local flora or native plants and disrupt ecosystems.

If you’re planting cordgrass in a non-native area, I advise closely monitoring and controlling its spread.

Checking with local authorities can prevent invasive cord grass’s unintended spread and ecological impact.

Diseases

Cordgrass is generally resistant to most diseases. However, fungal diseases like leaf spot or rust can be present, particularly if your population of cordgrass is poorly ventilated.

I recommend promptly removing or treating infected plants to prevent the spread of disease. Reserve the use of fungicides for severe cases.

Other Guides from Planet Natural:

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Purple Fountain Grass

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Pink Muhly Grass

26 Best Ornamental Grasses for Low Maintenance Yards

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Melissa Pino

Melissa Pino is a biologist, master gardener, and regular contributor for Planet Natural. Melissa's work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices, helping people create healthy gardens and finding ways to achieve overall health and wellness.