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| ## prairie cordgrass {#prairie-cordgrass .Title-Header}               |
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| *Spartina pectinata* Link                                             |
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| Plant Symbol = SPPE                                                   |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS North Dakota Plant Materials Center, Bismarck,
North Dakota

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.495833333333333in"
height="3.3256944444444443in"}

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##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

Ripgut, cordgrass, marsh grass, slough grass, fresh water cordgrass,
broadleaf

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

The stiff stems, vigorous rhizomes and robust size of this species are
useful in stabilizing soil, dissipating wave energy and providing cover.

-   wetland restoration and enhancement

-   streambank stabilization

-   windstrip barrier

-   filterstrip

-   riparian buffer

-   prairie landscaping

-   wildlife habitat -- nesting and cover

-   forage - very early season only

-   spillway and dam cover

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g., threatened or
endangered species, State noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

*General*: Prairie cordgrass is a warm-season perennial grass. It is
native to the tall grass prairies of most of the United States and
Canada. It has an average height of 3 to 8 feet (Johnson and Larson).
The leaf blades, 3 to 13 mm wide and up to 30 inches long, are coarse,
very tough, and thick. The margins of the leaf are serrated and sharp.
Stems are stiff. It is strongly rhizomatous with very tough, scaly
rhizomes. Seedheads are composed of 10 to 20 spikes attached to the main
stem. Each spike has up to 40 spikelets, all growing in two rows on the
side of the spike away from the stem. The seeds are flat, paper-like
with barbed awns that attach firmly to fur or fabric. There are
approximately 183,000 seeds per pound.

*Distribution*: For current distribution, please consult the Plant
Profile page for this species on the PLANTS web site.

*Habitat*: Prairie cordgrass is found in wet meadows, sloughs, potholes,
and drainage ways. It is associated with various species including
sedges and rushes.

##### Adaptation {#adaptation .Header-3}

Prairie cordgrass has a broad climatic adaptation. It will grow on
seasonally dry sites, tolerates alkaline condition and high water tables
but is intolerant of prolonged flooding. It will grow on a wide array of
soil types, but prefers a soil other than sand.

**Establishment**

Prairie cordgrass can be established from seed or vegetative material.
Following are guidelines for each of these propagation methods.

**Vegetative Propagation**

*Vegetative Material Quality:* The strong rhizomes can be used for
propagation. The ideal piece of vegetative material is a "J" hook piece
of rhizome with buds and 4 to 12 inches of dry stem. Other rhizome
pieces can be used if there are roots and at least one bud. The stem
length is not critical for growth, but, if attached, makes planting and
handling easier.

*Vegetative Source:*

-   Local sites such as a ditch or wet meadow

-   Nursery propagation bed - Material is usually more uniform and
    plants tend to be larger and stronger making them easier to handle
    and improving survival.

*Harvest Date:*

-   Spring (early April-June)

-   Fall (dormant-October/November)-Rhizomes dug in the fall should be
    stored in controlled conditions of temperatures near freezing. Do
    not allow pieces to become too warm or dry.

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="1.5611111111111111in"
height="2.0729166666666665in"}

*Harvest Method:* Vegetative material can be dug by hand or with an
undercutter, disk or plow. Depth of digging will vary depending on site
conditions. In older stands, the intertwined rhizomes are course, stiff,
and have sharp buds. Material most easily processed is from younger
growth found on the outside edge of an old stand or from newer
plantings. Plants 2 to 3 years old would be the easiest material to
handle and process. Once rhizomes are dug, pieces should be cut as
described above. It is important to keep processed rhizomes cool and
moist until planting. Another method of establishment would be to
scatter the rhizomes, cover, and firm the planting bed.

*Planting Method:* Rhizomes should be planted with the shoot upright.
Roots and at least part of the shoot should be buried. The average
planting depth should be 3 to 6 inches. Rhizomes have been successfully
planted using a tree planter and by hand planting. Air space around the
planted rhizome should be removed by packing.

*Spacing:* This will vary depending on the purpose of the planting and
site conditions.

> *Seed increase fields and nursery beds:* Recommended spacing between
> rows is 6 to 15 feet. Suggested spacing within row is 3 to 6 feet.
>
> *Streambanks, riparian areas, other erosion control sites:* Spacing
> can vary, depending on slope, stabilization required, mulch, and
> available plants and resources. Generally, plants are spaced 2 to 10
> feet apart and planted in off-set rows. Rhizomes planted along
> streambanks should be planted several feet beyond the water line.
> Cordgrass is intolerant of frequent flooding. Ice jams and fluctuating
> water can wash out plants closer to the water line. Rhizomes planted
> higher up the slope will readily send shoots down the slope toward the
> water line.

**Seed Propagation**

*Seeding Method:* ![](media/image4.wmf){width="0.9993055555555556in"
height="1.8222222222222222in"}

-   drill

-   broadcast

*Seeding Rate:\
*Based on 183,000 seeds/lb, the following are general seeding rates.
Actual rates may vary depending on site locations and purpose of
planting. These recommendations are guidelines for establishment in the
Northern Great Plains.

-   30 seeds/ft^2^ (7 lbs PLS/acre)

-   1/4 to 1 pound PLS/acre in wet meadow mixes

*Seeding Depth:* ½ to ¾ inches

*Seed Quality:*

> *Viability:* Viability of seed decreases when stored under high
> temperatures and humidity. In controlled storage, germination remains
> good for about 3 years. Current purity and germination tests (9 months
> or less) are needed for accurate seeding rates. Germination tests may
> be difficult to interpret, however, as there are no standardized
> testing procedures. You may want a second opinion for newer lots with
> low germinations. Dormancy reported on seed tests should be considered
> in seed viability.
>
> *Flowability:* Debearded or deawned seed is more flowable, and seeding
> rate and placement is more accurate and consistent than for
> non-debearded (awned) seed.

*Seed Source:* Most seed of prairie cordgrass is produced in the
northern regions of North America. Insect predation inhibits seed
production in more southern climates.

> *Adapted Release or Selection:* Red River Germplasm is the only known
> release with seed commercially available. Performance consistency in
> released material is greater than for local ecotypes.
>
> *Adapted local ecotype:* Seed can be purchased from native plant
> nurseries and commercial seed growers or can be harvested from local
> populations. Seed can be hand stripped or combined in late fall. Seed
> fill is often poor in native harvests. Filled seeds have a kernel or
> embryo. Cut seeds crosswise to determine fill.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Seedling vigor is only moderate, and seed often germinates throughout
the course of the summer. Seedlings develop slowly. Stands are
established more quickly by planting vegetative material compared to
seeding. Adequate water at planting time is critical for establishment
of seed and vegetative material. Once the stand is established, watering
is less critical. Due to the rhizomatous growth and size of the plants,
weed competition is not usually a problem in established stands. The
first few years of establishment by seed may require weed control if
heavily infested. Prairie cordgrass has few management needs. Mowing of
prairie cordgrass more than once per season can reduce vigor.

*Seed production fields*: Seed fields established from rhizomes will
produce some seed the first year. Seed fields established from seed
usually takes 2 to 3 years before producing a seed crop. Seed can be
combined after the first frost in northern regions and shattering is
generally not a problem. Seed yields at the Bismarck, North Dakota Plant
Materials Center have varied from 30 to 75 PLS lbs/acre with wide row
spacing. Plantings used for seed production can become quite sodbound
after 5 years and seed production inhibited. Rhizomes will need to be
separated by some means, or a new field established.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

Pests do not appear to be a problem for vegetative material. Seed
predation by insects is a problem in most areas except the extreme
northern climates of the United States.

##### Environmental Concerns {#environmental-concerns .Header-3}

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or State natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
web site at plants.usda.gov.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

**'Red River Germplasm'** prairie cordgrass is a selection named and
released by the Bismarck, North Dakota Plant Materials Center. It is a
composite of plant materials from Grant County, Minnesota; Cass and
Grand Forks Counties in North Dakota; and Day County in South Dakota.
Select Class seed and vegetative material is available in the commercial
market of this selection.

**'Atkins Germplasm'** prairie cordgrass is a selection named and
released by the Manhattan, Kansas Plant Materials Center. Material for
this release originated from Washington County, Nebraska. This is a
Select Class vegetative release. There is no seed produced or available.
Vegetative material is available for increase.

##### Weed Control {#weed-control .Header-3}

Contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed
specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it
safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control
method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to
provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty
the products and control methods named, and other products may be
equally effective.

##### References {#references .Header-3}

##### Johnson, J R. & G.E. Larson. 1999. *Grassland plants of South Dakota and the northern Great Plains*. South Dakota State University College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. B566 (rev.) Brookings, South Dakota. {#johnson-j-r.-g.e.-larson.-1999.-grassland-plants-of-south-dakota-and-the-northern-great-plains.-south-dakota-state-university-college-of-agriculture-and-biological-sciences.-b566-rev.-brookings-south-dakota. .Header-3}

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##### Wynia, Richard. 2003. \[personal communication\]. USDA-NRCS, Plant Materials Center, Manhattan, Kansas. {#wynia-richard.-2003.-personal-communication.-usda-nrcs-plant-materials-center-manhattan-kansas. .Header-3}

##### Prepared By:  {#prepared-by .Header-3}

*Nancy K. Jensen*, USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, North
Dakota.

Edited: 24may06jsp

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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*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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