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| ## sand cordgrass {#sand-cordgrass .Title-Header}                     |
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| *Spartina bakeri* Merr.                                               |
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| Plant Symbol = SPBA                                                   |
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Contributed By: USDA, NRCS National Plant Data

# *Center*

# ![](media/image2.wmf){width="2.540277777777778in" height="1.6666666666666667in"}

## Uses

Sand cordgrass, burned in early fall, provides fair‑quality grazing for
cattle during winter and spring. It is tough and unpalatable during
summer months.

## Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status, such as, state noxious status
and wetland indicator values.

## Description

Grass Family (Poaceae). Sand cordgrass is a warm‑season, robust bunch
grass, native to the U.S. The height ranges from 3 to 5 feet. Leaf blade
is flat and rolls inward when drying; 1/4 inch wide; upper surface is
dark green, lower light green and coarse ridges on upper surface. Leaf
sheath is rounded. Seedhead has 5 to 12 spikes, each 1‑1/4 to 2‑1/2
inches long, lying close to stem; spikelets grow on one side of rachis
and seedhead 2 to 8 inches long.

# *Management*

This grass increases on ranges that are grazed continuously.

# *Establishment*

Makes its major growth during spring. Seeds form during late May and
June in most ranges, later in the northern parts. Vegetative growth
continues until fall. Some basal leaves remain green during winter in
south Florida. Mature plants often form bunches 18 to 20 inches in
diameter. Adapted to margins of sand ponds and fresh marshes throughout
range. During growing season, tolerates periodic flooding. Will not grow
on saline soils.

## Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin) 

Please contact your local NRCS Field Office.

## References

Leithead, H.L., L.L. Yarlett, & T.N. Shiflett. 1976. 100 native forage
grasses in 11 southern states. USDA SCS *Agriculture Handbook No. 389*,
Washington, DC.

## Prepared By & Species Coordinator:

*Percy Magee*, USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana

Edited: 14june02 ahv; aug03 ahv, 19sep05jsp; 070116 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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