Sporobolus virginicus (Seashore Dropseed)

Sporobolus virginicus (Seashore Dropseed) is a long-lived, low-growing, vigorous perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes to form large patches. Its leaves are alternate and linear, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), with overlapping sheaths that are hairy at the throat. Dense, greenish-white, sometimes purplish spikelets, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), are produced through most of the year, and the small mature seeds drop in fall. Seashore Dropseed provides excellent winter food for wild geese, while many native seabirds find shelter and build nests in its coastal stands. Widespread throughout tropical regions, it is native to the Pacific Islands Region as well as the continental United States, and also occurs in Africa, the western coast of India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Its native habitats include salt marshes, dunes, and other disturbed saline areas. Tolerant of flooding, drought, and saline conditions, as well as undemanding and pest-free, Seashore Dropseed is especially useful as a groundcover in coastal settings, a salt marsh stabilizer, and a low dune stabilizer. It is also a larval host plant for the obscure skipper and probably the salt marsh skipper.

• 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.
• Native Grasses That Thrive in North Florida
• Native Grasses That Thrive in Central Florida
• Best Plants for Florida Humidity