Prairie Cordgrass
Spartina pectinata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–72" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
VT
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Prairie cordgrass is a tall, robust native grass that forms substantial clumps with arching blue-green foliage. It produces attractive seed heads in late summer and turns golden-tan in fall, providing year-round interest in wet areas where few other grasses thrive.
In an HOA neighborhood
Prairie Cordgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Grows very tall and can appear overgrown
- Spreads aggressively and may look uncontrolled
- Dormant winter appearance is quite messy
Wildlife value
This grass attracts bees during its summer bloom period and provides valuable nesting habitat for ground-dwelling birds. The seeds feed various songbirds through fall and winter.
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.
Does Prairie Cordgrass fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.