Sand cordgrass
Sporobolus bakeri
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sand cordgrass (Sporobolus bakeri) is a perennial grass native to FL, GA, SC, TX. It blooms in July, August, and September. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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
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.
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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
- How much sun does Sand cordgrass need?
- Sand cordgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sand cordgrass bloom?
- Sand cordgrass blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Sand cordgrass native?
- Sand cordgrass (Sporobolus bakeri) is native to FL, GA, SC, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Sand cordgrass HOA-friendly?
- Sand cordgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Sand cordgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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