California Cordgrass

Sporobolus foliosus

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Sporobolus
Species:
Sporobolus foliosus
USDA Symbol:
SPFO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base after fire; typical of warm-season prairie grasses benefiting from periodic burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal dunes and sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with light and consistent moisture after cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI