Smooth Cordgrass
Spartina alterniflora
Last reviewed: June 2026
Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) is a salt-tolerant native grass found in Texas coastal marshes that blooms March through May, providing nectar for butterflies and moths.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Smooth Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
36"–60" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
TX
Pollinators
butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Smooth Cordgrass is a tall, clumping perennial grass that forms dense stands in wet conditions. This salt-tolerant grass produces feathery flower spikes in spring and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.
Growing Smooth Cordgrass
Grow Smooth Cordgrass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth Cordgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Insufficient data for HOA assessment
Wildlife value
The flowers attract butterflies and moths during spring blooming season. The dense growth provides nesting habitat for birds in wetland areas.
Common questions
- Where does Spartina alterniflora naturally grow?
- Smooth Cordgrass is native to salt marshes and tidal areas along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including Texas coastal regions.
- When does Smooth Cordgrass bloom?
- Spartina alterniflora typically blooms from March through May, producing inconspicuous flower spikes.
- What pollinators visit Smooth Cordgrass?
- Butterflies and moths are attracted to Spartina alterniflora during its blooming period for nectar.
- What growing conditions does Spartina alterniflora need?
- This salt marsh grass requires full sun exposure and consistently high moisture or standing water conditions to thrive.
- Is Smooth Cordgrass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Smooth Cordgrass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Smooth Cordgrass HOA-friendly?
- Smooth 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 Smooth 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