Sand cordgrass
Sporobolus bakeri
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sporobolus bakeri is a warm-season bunchgrass found in moist pine flatwoods and coastal plain habitats, blooming from July through September with slender seed heads.
Toxicity unknown
Sand cordgrass (Sporobolus bakeri) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
36"–60" H × 36"–48" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
FL, GA, SC, TX
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A coarse, clump-forming perennial grass with narrow, arching blue-green blades and tall, narrow seed head spikes in late summer. Forms substantial clumps over time and requires consistently moist to wet soil, making it well suited to rain gardens, pond edges, or low spots that collect runoff.
Growing Sand cordgrass
Grow Sand cordgrass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 60 inches tall and spread 36 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sand cordgrass is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Requires consistently moist to wet soil and is best suited to rain gardens or pond edges rather than typical HOA beds
Wildlife value
Dense clumps provide nesting and shelter cover for birds and small wildlife, and seed heads are a food source for birds in fall.
Common questions
- When does Sporobolus bakeri bloom?
- Sporobolus bakeri typically blooms from July through September, sending up narrow seed stalks above its grassy clumps.
- How much water does Sporobolus bakeri need?
- This grass grows best in consistently moist to wet soil and does not tolerate prolonged dry conditions well.
- What light does Sporobolus bakeri require?
- It needs full sun with several hours of direct, unobstructed light each day to grow densely and flower reliably.
- Does Sporobolus bakeri attract specific pollinators?
- No specific pollinator associations have been documented for this grass, which is wind pollinated like most grasses in its genus.
- Is Sand cordgrass HOA-friendly?
- Sand cordgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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