Saltmeadow Cordgrass
Sporobolus pumilus
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Prince Edward I., Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
V. Howard, UCGS
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Sporobolus
- Species:
- Sporobolus pumilus
- USDA Symbol:
- SPPA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Deterred Dart (Euxoa detersa), double-lined doryodes moth (Doryodes bistrialis), Harnessed Tiger Moth (Apantesis phalerata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rhizomes following fire; tolerates periodic burns in salt marsh systems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal dune habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with cold stratification; light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Source: Claude AI