Praire Cord Grass

Spartina pectinata, commonly known as prairie cord grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to the tall grass prairies of the United States and Canada. This adaptable grass species thrives in a variety of habitats, including wet meadows, sloughs, potholes, and drainage ways, often coexisting with sedges and rushes. Prairie cordgrass exhibits a broad climatic adaptation, growing on seasonally dry sites and tolerating alkaline conditions and high water tables. However, it is intolerant of prolonged flooding. While it can grow on various soil types, it prefers soils other than sand. The stiff stems, vigorous rhizomes, and robust size of prairie cordgrass make it valuable for soil stabilization, wave energy dissipation, and providing cover. It finds applications in wetland restoration, streambank stabilization, windstrip barriers, filterstrips, riparian buffers, prairie landscaping, and wildlife habitat enhancement for nesting and cover. While prairie cordgrass offers early-season forage, its main management uses are focused on environmental conservation and habitat improvement, rather than extensive grazing. Overall, Spartina pectinata serves as a versatile and valuable component of natural ecosystems, contributing to both ecological restoration and agricultural sustainability efforts.