Species prairie cord grass

prairie cord grass

Spartina pectinata

Prairie cord grass, also known as Spartina pectinata, is a warm season perennial grass native to prairies and wetlands throughout North America. It has deep green, narrow leaves that grow in clumps up to 4 feet in height, producing a dense root system. Flowers bloom in July and August, and the seed heads remain on the stems throughout the winter. Prairie cord grass is used as a habitat for birds, an erosion control plant, and an effective sediment filter in shallow bodies of water. It grows best in sunny, wet soils, and is both drought and cold tolerant.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow-brown Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Prairie cord grass should be watered at least once every 2 weeks, allowing for the soil to dry slightly between waterings. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Water deeply and evenly, making sure to saturate the entire root system for best results. Make sure to water enough to keep the soil moist throughout the root zone. On hot or dry days, the plant may need more water than normal.

sunlight

Prairie cord grass (Spartina pectinata) grows best in full sun, receiving approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This species of grass appreciates warmer temperatures of 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much shade can lead to weak growth. Prolonged exposure to direct sunshine during the hottest hours of the day, however, can cause minor sunburn, cause the leaves of the grass to yellow, and slow the growth. For the healthiest growth, prairie cord grass should receive plenty of morning and late afternoon sunshine and some light shade during the hottest period of the day.

pruning

Prairie cord grass (Spartina pectinata) should be pruned several times a year to keep it in its best shape. Generally, early spring and late summer are the most appropriate times to prune, but the frequency and amount of pruning can vary depending on the conditions of the soil and the climate. In areas where the temperatures dip below freezing during the winter, pruning in spring should take place while the grass is still dormant. In areas with mild winters, pruning can occur anytime in the early spring before the new growth begins. Pruning in late summer should take place after the new growth has stopped so that the prairie cord grass can put all its energy into restoring before winter. When it comes to the amount of pruning, it should usually be done in moderation, removing just the needed amount. However, if prairie cord grass has become too dense and is competing for space, it can be trimmed heavily. This will help the plant to look and thrive better as it will promote better air circulation and lighter competition.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Spartina pectinata typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map