Sporobolus virginicus (Seashore Dropseed)

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.