We are following the treatment by Paul M. Peterson et al; 'A molecular phylogeny and new subgeneric classification of Sporobolus (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Sporobolinae)' Taxon 63 (6) December 2014; 1212-1243, whereby the genus Spartina is transferred to the genus Sporobolus[].

Common Name: Saltmeadow Cordgrass

General Information

Sporobolus pumilus is a perennial grass producing culms 30 - 120cm tall. It spreads freely by means of long, slender rhizomes[].
The plant is harvested from the wild on a commercial basis to provide a weed-free mulch that is used in landscaping. The plant is often utilized in soil stabilization projects - several cultivars have been develped for this purpose[].
This species may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats outside its native range, where it may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. It is considered an invasive plant in Washington and Oregon[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Newfoundland, south to northern Mexico, Texas and Florida; Caribbean - Bahamas, Cuba to Puerto Rico & Windward Isles

Habitat

Saline to brackish marshes, sandy beaches and low dunes, tidal flats and marsh ridges. It can inhabit foredunes and primary dunes, and can survive in saturated soil conditions[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sporobolus pumilus is found mainly in coastal habitats from the cold temperate regions of northeastern Canada to the tropical regions of the Caribbean. The mean annual rainfall is generally within the range 1,190 - 1,150mm[].
Requires a sunny position. In the wild, the plant is found on two main types of soil - it occurs on peat deposits of varying depths and also in mineral soils comprised of outwash material or soils deposited by tidal and wave action[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used for shoreline protection and tidal marsh restorations, and is often utilized for levee stabilization and dune stabilization plantings near coastal beaches and on barrier islands. It is an important species for dissipating wave energy in low topography relief coastlines[].
It is an effective stabilizer used on interior mud flats, dredge fill sites, and other areas of loose and unconsolidated soils associated with marsh restoration, colonies can, however, be buried and killed by sand accumulation of 90cm or more[].
The plant has been observed to inhibit the spread of aggressive rhizomatous species such as Phragmites australis[].
The plant may play an important role for remediating and restoring marshes after oil spills. Coastal wetlands where it is the dominant species are predicted to recover from oil spills without additional intervention procedures[]

Other Uses

This species is the primary component of salt hay, which is utilized in the landscape and vegetable trade industry of N. America as a weed-seed free mulch[].

Propagation

Seed - requires light for germination. Seed is generally of low vigour - sow in a nursery seedbed and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Plant out when sufficient growth has been made.
Division is very easy, it can also be carried out at other times of year, the divisions being planted direct into their permanent positions.

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is half of 100?