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Coast Barnyard Grass

Echinochloa walteri

Last reviewed: August 2026

Coast Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa walteri)
Photo: (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar

Toxicity unknown

Coast Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa walteri) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Coast Barnyard Grass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Salt marsh millet is a tall annual grass native to coastal wetlands and marshy areas. This robust grass produces seed heads in late summer that provide food for birds, but requires consistent moisture to thrive. It naturally occurs in brackish marshes and wet meadows along coastal regions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coast Barnyard Grass 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.

  • Looks very wild and weedy
  • Dies back completely as annual
  • Associated with wetland/marsh environments

Wildlife value

The seed heads attract various songbirds and waterfowl in fall. This grass also provides nesting habitat and cover for marsh birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Coast Barnyard Grass need?
Coast Barnyard Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Coast Barnyard Grass bloom?
Coast Barnyard Grass blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Coast Barnyard Grass native?
Coast Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa walteri) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Coast Barnyard Grass toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Coast Barnyard Grass as toxic to livestock.
Is Coast Barnyard Grass HOA-friendly?
Coast Barnyard Grass 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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