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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Coast Barnyard Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Echinochloa walteri

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 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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