Prairie Cordgrass
Spartina pectinata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Prairie Cordgrass is a tall native grass found in Vermont and other regions, blooming July through September in wetlands and prairies. This moisture-loving perennial provides habitat for bees and other pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Prairie Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–72" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 39 more states
Pollinators
bees
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
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.
Growing Prairie Cordgrass
Grow Prairie Cordgrass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Prairie Cordgrass bloom?
- Prairie Cordgrass typically blooms from July through September, producing seed heads that provide food for wildlife.
- What growing conditions does Spartina pectinata prefer?
- Prairie Cordgrass thrives in full sun to partial sun with consistently moist to wet soil conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens and wetland restoration.
- What pollinators visit Prairie Cordgrass?
- Bees are among the primary pollinators that visit Prairie Cordgrass flowers during its summer blooming period.
- Is Prairie Cordgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Prairie Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Prairie Cordgrass HOA-friendly?
- Prairie 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 Prairie Cordgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz