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: Big Cordgrass

General Information

Sporobolus cynosuroides is a vigorous, perennial grass, spreading freely by means of rhizomes and sometimes forming extensive colonies; it can grow 200 - 350cm tall.
The plant is sometimes used in soil stabilization projects and has potential for use as a biomass crop.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern and southern North America - New York and Massachusetts, south to Florida and east to Texas and northern Mexico.

Habitat

Salt or brackish marshes along the coast[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in fresh or salt water marshes and in ordinary garden soil[]. Prefers a deep rich moist soil in sun or light shade[]. Adaptable to a range of growing conditions, including arable soils, cut over peats, waterlogged and brackish soil, and it is able to produce higher yields than most natural grasses with a low input on fertiliser[].
This species photosynthesizes by a more efficient method than most plants[]. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants have an extensive root system and can be used for soil stabilization, especially along coasts[].

Other Uses

This species is being investigated as a potential biomass crop. It has been shown to be adaptable to a range of growing conditions and to produce higher yields than most natural grasses with a low input on fertiliser[]. However yields are lower than seem possible from some other biomass crops such as Miscanthus[]. The advantage of this species is the potential to be established from seed, its greater adaptability to adverse soil conditions, low fertiliser requirement and its higher dry matter content earlier in the winter[]. It is likely that this species will be well suited to mild wet climate areas in Europe[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a greenhouse in spring 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 in the summer if sufficient growth has been made, otherwise overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out in the following spring.
Division in spring.