How to Grow Spike Cordgrass
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Spike Cordgrass
Distichlis spicata
grassSpike cordgrass is a salt-tolerant perennial grass native to coastal marshes and alkaline wetlands across North America. It forms dense, creeping mats with stiff, upright culms and distinctive two-ranked (distichous) leaf arrangement. This hardy grass thrives in conditions where few other plants survive, making it invaluable for erosion control and habitat restoration.
When should you plant Spike Cordgrass in your zone?
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Example Spike Cordgrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spike Cordgrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Spike Cordgrass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spike Cordgrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives across zones 3-10; most vigorous in zones 5-9
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Establishment
3-6 monthsSeedlings or newly transplanted divisions develop initial rhizomes and shoot growth. Plants are slow-growing initially.
Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from foot traffic. Mulch lightly if needed to retain moisture around new plantings.
Rhizome Development
6-18 monthsExtensive underground rhizome network expands laterally, creating interconnected mat structure. Above-ground growth becomes more visible.
Maintain moisture levels. Allow natural rhizome spread. No fertilizer typically needed.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerDense, uniform turf develops with stiff, blue-green culms typically 8-24 inches tall depending on soil moisture and salinity.
Can tolerate periodic mowing if needed for management. Performs well with minimal maintenance once established.
Flowering
Late July through SeptemberDistinctive compact, spike-like panicles emerge (hence the common name). Flowers are inconspicuous but seed heads are characteristic.
Flowering occurs in late summer. Allow seed heads to mature if wildlife food is desired.
Dormancy
October through AprilFoliage turns golden-tan to brown in fall and winter; persists through winter providing erosion protection and wildlife cover.
Leave standing for winter habitat value. Spring growth resumes as soil warms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rarely problematic; tolerate or use spinosad if populations become severe
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Natural predators usually control; horticultural oil spray if necessary
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Improve air circulation; rarely requires treatment in natural wetland settings
Uses
Erosion Control & Shoreline Protection
HouseholdSpike cordgrass is widely used in coastal restoration projects to stabilize marsh edges, prevent soil erosion, and reduce wave action. Its rhizomatous network binds soil effectively and can withstand storm surge. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeProvides critical nesting habitat for marsh birds and ground-nesting species. Seeds and foliage are eaten by waterfowl, marsh birds, and small mammals. The dense mat offers shelter for insects and invertebrates. [source]
Salt Marsh Restoration
HouseholdA keystone species for wetland and salt marsh restoration projects, particularly valuable for ecological rehabilitation in coastal areas and inland alkaline wetlands. [source]
Bioswales & Stormwater Management
HouseholdUsed in constructed wetlands and bioswales to filter runoff, reduce peak flows, and improve water quality in coastal and saline conditions. [source]
Traditional Use & Forage
MedicinalHistorically harvested and dried as salt marsh hay for livestock forage in coastal regions. Contains minerals and salt tolerance beneficial for livestock in salt-affected areas. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Spike cordgrass is not harvested for food. For erosion control and stabilization projects, allow 2-3 years for full mat establishment. For seed collection (for restoration projects): harvest mature seed heads in late September through October by hand-stripping or cutting; air dry and store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Spike cordgrass is one of the few plants that thrives in hypersaline conditions—some populations tolerate salt concentrations higher than seawater itself.
- 🌱 The plant's distinctive two-ranked leaf arrangement (distichous) gives both its genus name Distichlis and its characteristic appearance, with leaves arranged in two opposite rows along the stem.
- 🌱 This grass has an exceptional ability to regulate internal salt: it secretes excess salt through special glands on its leaf surface, allowing it to survive and even dominate in salt marshes where most plants cannot survive.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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