Gulf Cordgrass

Gulf Cordgrass

© Larry Allain

Spartina spartinae
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Gulf Cordgrass (Spartina spartinae) is a tough, clump-forming native bunchgrass found along the Gulf Coast and throughout the southern U.S. It thrives in salty and brackish environments, making it a vital component of coastal prairies and marsh restoration projects. Its stiff, arching blades and tall flowering stalks provide essential habitat and food for wildlife.

• Scientific Name: Spartina spartinae
• Common Names: Gulf Cordgrass, Sacahuista
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Growth Habit: Perennial bunchgrass
• Height: 3 to 6 feet
• Leaves: Long, narrow, rough-edged blades that arch outward
• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers on tall stalks
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
• Wildlife Benefits: Provides nesting cover, food, and shelter for birds and other wildlife

Habitat & Range in Southeast Texas

Gulf Cordgrass is commonly found in:

• Coastal Prairies: Dominant in Gulf Coast prairie ecosystems
• Salt and Brackish Marshes: Tolerates saline soils and occasional flooding
• Roadsides & Ditches: Can colonize disturbed, salty soils

This grass is highly tolerant of drought, wind, and salt exposure, making it ideal for harsh environments.

Ecological Importance

• Erosion Control: Strong root system stabilizes coastal soils and prevents erosion
• Habitat Value: Provides critical cover for ground-nesting birds, amphibians, and small mammals
• Fire Resilience: Recovers quickly after fire and supports prairie ecosystem health

Landscaping & Gardening Uses

Gulf Cordgrass is an excellent choice for natural landscapes and restoration projects:

• Prairie Restoration: Integral species in coastal prairie projects
• Buffer Strips & Bioswales: Controls runoff and filters water in stormwater projects
• Habitat Gardens: Adds structure and movement to native plantings

Planting & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Prefers salty or alkaline, well-drained to periodically wet soils
• Water Needs: Low to moderate once established; tolerates occasional flooding
• Maintenance: Very low; may be cut back in late winter to encourage fresh growth
• Companion Plants: Matches well with Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus), and Saltmarsh Mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica)

Fun Facts

• Gulf Cordgrass is also known by its Spanish-derived name "sacahuista," meaning "bag grass" due to its fibrous leaves.
• The dense, fibrous clumps were traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for basketry and insulation.
• It's one of the most salt-tolerant native grasses in Texas.

Conservation & Native Plant Advocacy

Using Gulf Cordgrass in landscapes and restoration projects supports biodiversity, improves water quality, and helps restore fragile coastal prairies and marshes. Its resilience makes it a strong candidate for sustainable landscaping.

Where to Find It