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: Smooth Cordgrass

General Information

Sporobolus alterniflorus is a perennial grass, spreading freely by rhizomes to form dense colonies of growth; it can grow 60 - 180cm tall[].
The plant is commonly planted to provide soil stabilization along coasts. It is sometimes utilized as a thatch on roofs.
The plant has been introduced along the west coast of the USA, where it has proved to be very invasive[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Coastal regions of the Americas from Quebec and Labrador to Florida, west to Texas, Mexico; Caribbean - Trinidad; S. America - Venezuela to Argentina

Habitat

Found mainly in the intertidal zone by the coast, where it will regularly be partially covered with water. It dominates where salinities range from 3 - 5% and the average water table is 10cm above ground level[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sporobolus alterniflorus is very tolerant of climate, being found from the cold temperate regions of northeastern Canada through to the tropical regions of S. America. It does, however, need to be by the coast and grows best when in the intertidal zone[]. The plant has a short growing season in the north of its range, but in more tropical areas it will grow for most of the year[].
Requires a sunny position. The plant is adapted to a wide range of soils from coarse sands to clays and mucks. Plant
establishment and productivity appear to be superior on heavier mineral soils such as mucky clays, silty clays, silty clay loams, and fine sands. Soils with very high levels of organic matter pose structural problems and have proven to be problematic in establishing the plant[]. Plants can succeed in non-slaine conditions, but generally grow best in moderately salty soils[]. In nature, the plants may be inundated with salt water for up to 20 hours per day. Unlike most other marsh plants, the salt-tolerance of cordgrass is directly proportional to water depth[].
Smooth cordgrass is a robust, rapidly spreading plant, tolerant to fluctuating water depths and salinity[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used primarily for erosion control along shorelines, canal banks, levees, and other areas of soil-water interface, where it has been proven to provide significant erosion protection. In addition, it is an effective soil stabilizer used on interior tidal mudflats, dredge-fill sites, and other areas of loose and unconsolidated soils associated with marsh restoration. When established in conjunction with shorelines, it provides an effective buffer that dissipates energy, reduces shoreline scouring, and traps suspended sediments and other solids. Dense stands are efficient users of available nutrients, producing significant amounts of organic matter. The cumulative effects of organic matter production, sediment trapping, and erosion control not only provide shoreline protection but also accelerate sediment accumulation and near-shore building. Consequently, this species is a sustainable and renewable restoration resource, and when properly established and in the appropriate habitat, will persist and potentially remain effective indefinitely[].

Other Uses

The plant is used as a thatch on roofs[].

Propagation

Seed - requires light for germination. Seed is generally of low vigour - 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. Very easy, it can also be carried out at other times of year, the divisions being planted direct into their permanent positions.