Spartina alterniflora, commonly known as Smooth Cordgrass, is a hardy native perennial grass prized for its exceptional salt tolerance, upright growth habit, and critical role in coastal wetland ecosystems. Native to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, this resilient warm-season grass is an excellent choice for salt marsh restoration, coastal landscapes, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, wetland restoration, and naturalized plantings.
Throughout the growing season, Spartina alterniflora forms dense stands of upright green foliage that provide valuable structure and habitat in coastal environments. In summer, narrow flowering stems rise above the foliage and produce small, inconspicuous flower clusters that develop into seeds. The dense vegetation provides shelter and habitat for birds, fish, crabs, insects, and other coastal wildlife.
Smooth Cordgrass performs best in full sun and thrives in saturated, saline soils that experience regular tidal flooding. Its extensive underground rhizome system allows it to spread and form dense colonies, making it highly effective for shoreline stabilization, erosion control, sediment trapping, and coastal wetland restoration. It is exceptionally tolerant of saltwater, fluctuating water levels, and challenging coastal conditions.
With its strong root system, salt tolerance, spreading growth habit, and exceptional ecological importance, Spartina alterniflora is an outstanding native coastal grass for restoration professionals, conservation projects, and landscapes seeking to protect shorelines, stabilize sediment, and support healthy salt marsh ecosystems.