Contents
Description
Sporobolus Maritimus, commonly known as salt marsh dropseed, is a perennial grass species that is native to the coastal regions of North America. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is characterized by its wiry, upright growth habit and its ability to thrive in salty and brackish environments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Sporobolus |
Appearance
Sporobolus Maritimus has a clumping growth habit and can reach a height of up to 3 feet. It has narrow, wiry leaves that are a gray-green color and can grow up to 12 inches long. The flowering stems are tall and thin, and produce spikelets that are green at first and turn brown as they mature. The mature spikelets contain tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind and water.
Care Guide
Sporobolus Maritimus is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It is also highly tolerant of salt and can grow in saltwater environments.When it comes to watering, Sporobolus Maritimus prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Fertilization is not necessary for this plant, but adding a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.Sporobolus Maritimus is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sporobolus Maritimus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases if grown in humid environments. To prevent these issues, it is best to avoid overhead watering and to provide good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
As its name suggests, Sporobolus Maritimus is commonly found in salt marshes and other coastal environments. It is also found in dunes, swales, and other areas with high levels of salt in the soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sporobolus Maritimus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Sporobolus Maritimus can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Sporobolus Maritimus a good choice for erosion control?
A: Yes, Sporobolus Maritimus is an excellent choice for erosion control due to its deep root system and its ability to tolerate salt and drought.
Q: How often should Sporobolus Maritimus be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary for Sporobolus Maritimus, but adding a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.
Q: Can Sporobolus Maritimus be used for grazing?
A: Yes, Sporobolus Maritimus can be used for grazing, but it is not a preferred forage species due to its tough leaves and low nutritional value.
Related Plants
- Sporobolus airoides
- Sporobolus compositus
- Sporobolus cryptandrus
- Sporobolus heterolepis
References
- Bailey, L.H. & E.Z. Bailey. 1976. Hortus third: A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada. Macmillan, New York.
- USDA Plants Database. Sporobolus maritimus. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SPMA
- NatureServe. 2017. Sporobolus maritimus. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.743222/Sporobolus_maritimus
