Spartina spartinae (Trin.) Merr., gulf cordgrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 3 to 5 feet. 
Leaf blade: Narrow; strongly rolled inward, giving a wiry 
appearance; needlelike tip. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded. 
Ligtde: Ring of short hair. 
Seedhead: Numerous short spikes pressed against stem, over- 
lapping each other in regular order; glumes covered with 
short hair. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes primary growth during summer. Produces seed in Au- 
gust or September. Often grows in almost pure stands of large, 
dense bunches. Mature growth is tough and wiry. Tips of leaf 
blades are sharp enough to stick through clothing. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Upland soils along coasts of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mis- 
sissippi, Louisiana, and Texas. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows on moist, saline, heavy clay soils. Tolerates moderate 
salinity. Does best if water level fluctuates from soil surface to 12 
inches below. Tolerates water above soil surface for short time. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Gulf cordgrass is the principal forage grass for cattle grazing 
on salty prairie sites along the gulf coast. If mature foliage is 
grazed, a protein concentrate should be fed. Geese graze the 
tender shoots during the winter following an early fall burn. 
This grass is best managed for winter grazing. Because of its 
tough, wiry characteristics, controlled burning is necessary to 
keep the foliage tender and palatable. Burn every second or third 
year between September and February when soil is saturated. 
Defer grazing at least 120 days after burning to maintain plant 
vigor. Build cattle walkways, if needed, to make more o£ the 
range accessible to cattle. 
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