Prairie Cord Grass
Spartina pectinata
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
84 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial grass
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A tall, robust, warm-season native grass with long, arching leaves that have sharp, serrated edges. It forms dense colonies via tough, rope-like rhizomes and is excellent for erosion control. The leaves have a prominent white midrib and turn a beautiful golden-yellow in fall. Its name 'cord grass' refers to its strong, cord-like rhizomes, which make it an aggressive spreader in moist soils.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun; it tolerates a wide range of soils.
- It thrives in moist to wet conditions but tolerates some drought.
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, with the crown at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply.
- Be aware of its spreading habit when choosing a location.
Pro Tip
Use this grass with caution in small gardens; its rhizomes are very aggressive. Consider installing a root barrier if spread is a concern.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in full sun for the strongest growth.
- Use it in areas where its spreading nature can be an asset, like large banks.
- Provide supplemental water in very dry conditions to keep it looking its best.
- Cut back foliage in late winter to allow new growth to emerge.
Don't
- Do not plant it in a small, mixed perennial border without containment.
- Avoid handling the leaves without gloves, as the edges are very sharp.
- Don't plant in deep shade.
- Do not fertilize; it does not require it.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Prairie Cord Grass questions
What zones can Prairie Cord Grass grow in?
Prairie Cord Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Prairie Cord Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Prairie Cord Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Prairie Cord Grass bloom?
Prairie Cord Grass typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Prairie Cord Grass need full sun?
Prairie Cord Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Prairie Cord Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Prairie Cord Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Spartina to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Prairie Cord Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
