Smooth Cordgrass
Sporobolus alterniflorus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
36"–72" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Smooth cordgrass is a tall, sturdy native grass that forms dense clumps with narrow green leaves. It thrives in wet soils and marshy areas, producing delicate seed heads during summer and fall. This grass is particularly well-suited for rain gardens, pond edges, and consistently moist locations.
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.
- Very tall height may violate grass height restrictions
- Requires consistently wet conditions not typical in maintained landscapes
- Can spread aggressively in suitable wet conditions
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds, while the dense growth offers nesting habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Smooth Cordgrass need?
- Smooth Cordgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Smooth Cordgrass bloom?
- Smooth Cordgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Smooth Cordgrass native?
- Smooth Cordgrass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 14 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Smooth Cordgrass attract?
- Smooth Cordgrass draws bees and flies.
- 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.
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