When does Spartina cynosuroides bloom?

Big Cordgrass blooms from July through September, producing seed heads that attract various pollinators.

What pollinators visit Big Cordgrass?

Spartina cynosuroides attracts bees and beetles during its blooming period from summer into early fall.

Where is Big Cordgrass native?

Spartina cynosuroides is native to Pennsylvania and other eastern states, typically found in salt marshes and wet coastal areas.

What growing conditions does Big Cordgrass need?

This native grass requires full sun exposure and consistently wet to saturated soil conditions to thrive.

Is Big Cordgrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Big Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.

Is Big Cordgrass HOA-friendly?

Big Cordgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Big Cordgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Spartina cynosuroides

Last reviewed: June 2026

Spartina cynosuroides is a tall native grass found in Pennsylvania wetlands that blooms July through September. This big cordgrass thrives in full sun and wet conditions, attracting bees and beetles.

Big Cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) — Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Big Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

48"–96" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Big cordgrass is a tall, robust native grass that forms substantial clumps and thrives in wet conditions. It produces feathery seed heads in late summer and turns golden-brown in fall before going dormant in winter.

Growing Big Cordgrass

Grow Big Cordgrass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Big Cordgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely tall height (up to 8 feet) exceeds typical HOA limits
Can appear wild and unkempt during growing season
Large spread creates dominant presence that may seem uncontrolled

Wildlife value

This grass supports bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. The dense growth provides nesting habitat for birds and the seeds feed wildlife through fall and winter.

Common questions

When does Spartina cynosuroides bloom?: Big Cordgrass blooms from July through September, producing seed heads that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit Big Cordgrass?: Spartina cynosuroides attracts bees and beetles during its blooming period from summer into early fall.
Where is Big Cordgrass native?: Spartina cynosuroides is native to Pennsylvania and other eastern states, typically found in salt marshes and wet coastal areas.
What growing conditions does Big Cordgrass need?: This native grass requires full sun exposure and consistently wet to saturated soil conditions to thrive.
Is Big Cordgrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Big Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Big Cordgrass HOA-friendly?: Big Cordgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Big Cordgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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