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| ## SEASHORE DROPSEED {#seashore-dropseed .Title-Header}               |
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| *Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth*                                    |
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| Plant Symbol = SPVI3                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Hawaii PMC and National Plant Data Center

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.1618055555555555in"
height="4.214583333333334in"}Forest & Kim Starr, Keomoku Beach Lanai,
Hawaii

From [www.hear.org](http://www.hear.org/), Plants of Hawaii

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

Aki aki, aki, mahiki, mahikihiki, manienie, manienie aki aki, manienie
mahikihiki, manienie maoli, seashore rushgrass, marshgrass, crabgrass,
beach dropseed.

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

##### *Conservation:* {#conservation .Header-3}

*Sporobolus virginicus* does very well as a dune stabilizer. It has
potential for stream bank stabilization and also roadside slope
stabilization.

#####  {#section .Header-3}

##### *Cultural:* {#cultural .Header-3}

##### In some places *S. virginicus* is medicinally used to relieve urinary irritation and throat irritation. {#in-some-places-s.-virginicus-is-medicinally-used-to-relieve-urinary-irritation-and-throat-irritation. .Header-3}

#####  {#section-1 .Header-3}

##### *Wildlife:* {#wildlife .Header-3}

##### Many native seabirds find shelter and build nests in coastal stands of *S. virginicus*. It also provides excellent winter food for wild geese. {#many-native-seabirds-find-shelter-and-build-nests-in-coastal-stands-of-s.-virginicus.-it-also-provides-excellent-winter-food-for-wild-geese. .Header-3}

#####  {#section-2 .Header-3}

##### *Forage:* {#forage .Header-3}

##### *S. virginicus* has high protein and mineral content and is readily grazed by cattle.  {#s.-virginicus-has-high-protein-and-mineral-content-and-is-readily-grazed-by-cattle. .Header-3}

##### 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}

##### *Sporobolus virginicus* is a low-growing vigorous perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes. The height ranges from 4 to 8 inches tall. Roots can grow down to 18" deep. Leaves are 1-4" long and 0.04-0.12" wide with distinctly two‑ranked and salt crystals common on leaves and stems. The leaf sheath is overlapping and hairy at the throat. Its inflorescence is dense and spike-like. The panicle, 3" long, is shorter than other Sporobolus species.  {#sporobolus-virginicus-is-a-low-growing-vigorous-perennial-grass-that-spreads-by-rhizomes.-the-height-ranges-from-4-to-8-inches-tall.-roots-can-grow-down-to-18-deep.-leaves-are-1-4-long-and-0.04-0.12-wide-with-distinctly-tworanked-and-salt-crystals-common-on-leaves-and-stems.-the-leaf-sheath-is-overlapping-and-hairy-at-the-throat.-its-inflorescence-is-dense-and-spike-like.-the-panicle-3-long-is-shorter-than-other-sporobolus-species. .Header-3}

#####   {#section-3 .Header-3}

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

*S. virginicus* is commonly found in coastal dune habitats and it does
best if sea water level fluctuates from 2 inches above soil surface to 6
inches below. It also does well in a variety of different soils from
clays to sands. Being a plant that is adapted to low rainfall and high
salinity, *S. virginicus* is fairly wide spread throughout the tropical
regions and is native to the Pacific Islands Region as well as the
continental United States. It also occurs in Africa, western seaboard of
India, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

#####  {#section-4 .Header-3}

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Although *S. virginicus* does produce seed, very little of it is viable.
The only practical way to propagate it is by vegetative rhizomatous
slips. Actively growing slips should be selected for propagation. Cut
back increase-plots to initiate active growth. Cut rhizomatous slips
3-4' long and plant in sterile, well drained medium such as
Sunshine4^TM^ potting mix which has worked well. Place propagules under
50% shade and keep planting medium moist. Once the slips begin to take,
it is recommended that time-release fertilizer supplements be added.
After 2 months, place propagules in full sunlight to harden off.
Propagules should be ready to plant within 3-4 months.

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.3340277777777776in" height="3.4875in"}

##### Britton & Brown (1913); from plants.usda.gov {#britton-brown-1913-from-plants.usda.gov .Header-3}

#####  {#section-5 .Header-3}

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

*Sporobolus virginicus* is a low maintenance conservation plant. Because
it is very drought tolerant, water requirements are relatively low. It
is recommended, though, that irrigation be applied during the first 1-2
months after transplanting to help establish plots. *S. virginicus* is
also adapted to low fertility soils, although nutrient amendments
according to soil tests would be beneficial for rapid establishment.

If forage production is desired, no more than half of the growth should
be removed by grazing. Summer grazing deferments of at least 120 days
are important to maintain good vigor. Controlled burning of this grass
will result in lush, tender forage for winter grazing. Burning should be
done no more than every 2 years. Allow 4 inches of re-growth after
burning before grazing.

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

Despite its wide range throughout subtropical and tropical regions of
the world, *S. virginicus* it believed to be pest free.

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

None.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials  {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials .Header-3}

None available at this time. No known commercial source.

#####  {#section-6 .Header-3}

**Reference**

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:**

*David Duvauchelle*, USDA NRCS Hawaii Plant Materials Center, Hoolahua,
Hawaii and *Percy Magee*, USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana

**Species Coordinator:**

*David Duvauchelle*, USDA NRCS Hawaii Plant Materials Center, Hoolahua,
Hawaii

Edited: may02 ahv; jul03 ahv; sep05 jsp; jan07 jsp;

aug07 D. Duvauchelle; 070810 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/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
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apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
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large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
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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
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

Read about [*Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Conservation
Service*](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).

#####  {#section-7 .Header-3}

#####  {#section-8 .Header-3}