Sea Arrow-grass
Triglochin maritima
Last reviewed: June 2026
Triglochin maritima is a native wetland forb found across most U.S. states, blooming from May through September in marshes and saline areas. This sea arrow-grass attracts bees, beetles, and flies as pollinators.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sea arrow-grass is a slender wetland perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves and small greenish flower spikes. This native plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and full sun conditions. It blooms from late spring through early fall with inconspicuous but long-lasting flowers.
Growing Sea Arrow-grass
Grow Sea Arrow-grass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sea Arrow-grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires constantly wet soil conditions
- Very grass-like appearance may look weedy
- Inconspicuous flowers lack ornamental appeal
Wildlife value
The extended bloom period from May through September provides nectar for various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies. Seeds may also provide food for wetland birds in appropriate habitats.
Common questions
- When does Triglochin maritima bloom?
- Sea Arrow-grass blooms from May through September, producing small greenish flowers in spike-like clusters.
- What growing conditions does Sea Arrow-grass need?
- Triglochin maritima requires full sun and high water conditions, typically growing in salt marshes, alkaline wetlands, and other consistently moist saline soils.
- What pollinators visit Triglochin maritima?
- Sea Arrow-grass attracts bees, beetles, and flies which help pollinate its small flowers during the long blooming season.
- Where is Sea Arrow-grass native in the United States?
- Triglochin maritima is native to most U.S. states including western states like California and Washington, Great Plains states like Kansas and Nebraska, and northeastern states like Maine and Massachusetts.
- Is Sea Arrow-grass HOA-friendly?
- Sea Arrow-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 Sea Arrow-grass? 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