Sporobolus virginicus (Seashore Dropseed)
Seashore Dropseed, Beach Dropseed, Seashore Rushgrass, Coastal Dropseed, Agrostis virginica
Long-lived, Sporobolus virginicus (Seashore Dropseed) is a low-growing vigorous perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes to form large patches. The leaves are alternate and linear, up to 4 in. long (10 cm). The leaf sheath is overlapping and hairy at the throat. Dense, greenish-white, sometimes purplish spikelets, 3 in. long (7 cm), are on display most of the year. Their small mature seeds drop to the ground in the fall. Seashore Dropseed provides excellent winter food for wild geese and many native seabirds find shelter and build nests in coastal stands. Fairly widespread throughout the tropical regions, Seashore Dropseed is native to the Pacific Islands Region as well as the continental United States. It also occurs in Africa, western seaboard of India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Its native habitats include salt marshes, dunes, disturbed saline areas. Tolerant of flooding, drought, saline conditions, undemanding and pest-free, Seashore Dropseed is most appropriate as a groundcover in coastal settings, a salt marsh coastal stabilizer and a low dune stabilizer.
- Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm). Will quickly spread to form a colony.
- Performs best in full sun in sandy, moist, moderately well-drained to periodically inundated brackish or saline soils. Tolerant of short periods of drought once established.
- Excellent choice as a groundcover in coastal areas and for wildflower gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagated by seed or division.
- Native to the Southeastern United States, West Indies, Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, western seaboard of India, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
Buy Sporobolus virginicus (Seashore Dropseed)
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | Australia, United States, Northeast, Maryland, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |
Forest and Kim Starr, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | Australia, United States, Northeast, Maryland, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |