Overview
A fine-textured Florida-native coastal grass that forms flowing colonies, tolerates salt and wet soil, and stabilizes difficult shoreline and drainage areas.
Mature Size and Habit
Foliage generally stands 1 to 3 feet tall, with flowering stems rising slightly higher. Underground rhizomes allow the planting to spread into a continuous cover.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it for coastal restoration, erosion control, bioswales, rain gardens, wet meadows, and naturalistic ground cover. Give it a defined area where spreading is welcome.
Sunlight
Full sun is strongly preferred. Shade weakens stems and reduces the dense sod-forming habit needed for erosion control.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
It thrives in moist, saline, or periodically flooded soil and also tolerates drying between water events. Establishment irrigation helps roots knit together.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Plant in spring through early fall for the quickest coverage. Space plugs or gallons according to the desired speed of erosion-control coverage.
Pruning and Maintenance
Cut back old growth in late winter if a cleaner appearance is needed. Use gloves and keep edging boundaries visible where the grass meets formal beds.
Wildlife Value
The dense cover shelters birds and small wetland wildlife, while seed and insects add food resources. It also protects shoreline habitat from erosion.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Salt spray, heat, wind, flooding, and ordinary Tampa cold are well tolerated. Extended dry inland conditions require supplemental irrigation.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Coarse blades and spreading rhizomes make it a poor choice beside narrow paths or small ornamental beds. Define boundaries before installation.
Invasive Concerns
This Florida native is ecologically appropriate, but its vigorous rhizomes can spread beyond a small designed area. Manage edges where containment matters.
Helpful Resources
For region-specific care guidance, review the UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions website and follow local watering rules.