Prairie Cord Grass Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata' (v)
![gold-edged prairie cord grass](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5799ba443.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Aureomarginata', is a visually striking ornamental grass. It displays long, narrow leaves which gracefully arch and ripple in the breeze. What sets 'Aureomarginata' apart is the distinctive coloration of its foliage. Each leaf is adorned with a luminous gold or creamy yellow border that contrasts beautifully against the green center. This variegation along the edges gives the plant a bright and cheerful presence in the garden. 'Aureomarginata' typically forms a dense, clumping habit, creating an elegant, fountain-like effect with its arching leaves. As the plant matures, the leaves may take on a more upright form. The texture of the leaves is also noteworthy, as they give off a fine and bristly appearance. The overall visual appeal of 'Aureomarginata' is one of movement and color, with its striking golden-edged leaves dancing in the wind and adding a bright, decorative touch to the landscape.
About this plant
Names
Family
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Prairie Cord Grass, Freshwater Cord Grass, Slough Grass, Ripgut, Marsh Grass.
Common names
Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata'
Toxicity
To humans
Prairie cordgrass is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingesting any part of this plant would result in poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Prairie cordgrass is not known to be toxic to pets either. It should not cause poisoning or illness if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats. However, ingestion of any non-food plant material may potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets due to the irritation of the stomach or intestines.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits
- Erosion Control: The robust root system helps stabilize soil and control erosion along waterways.
- Habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Features striking variegated foliage that adds visual interest to landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it's highly tolerant of drought conditions.
- Flood Tolerance: Can withstand and thrive in areas with occasional flooding or waterlogged soils.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, reducing the need for water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
- Soil Improvement: Contributes to the structure and nutrient content of the soil over time.
- Adaptability: Able to thrive in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth can serve as a natural privacy screen or windbreak.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Prairie Cordgrass, specifically 'Aureomarginata', can be used in basket weaving due to its long, tough leaves that hold well when dried and woven.
- This variety of Prairie Cordgrass can act as a sound barrier when planted in dense rows along highways or noisy areas, reducing sound penetration with its thick foliage.
- Used in bioremediation, Prairie Cordgrass helps stabilize areas with contaminated soils by reducing soil erosion and capturing pollutants.
- It can serve as a natural dye source; the leaves can be processed to produce greenish-yellow hues for textiles.
- The plant can be incorporated into perfumery as a source of a grassy, earthy essence used in creating fragrances.
- Prairie Cordgrass can be used as thatching material for eco-friendly roofing solutions, providing natural insulation.
- The tall, dense growth of Prairie Cordgrass makes it useful for creating privacy screens or living fences in the garden landscape.
- Its dense roots can be processed into paper, offering an alternative fiber source for homemade paper crafts.
- Prairie Cordgrass can be used in floral arrangements, particularly the dried seed heads, which add texture and interest.
- It can help in the process of restoring disturbed wetlands, contributing to the reestablishment of the natural ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Prairie cordgrass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Prairie cordgrass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Adaptability: Spartina pectinata, commonly known as prairie cordgrass, often grows in challenging environments like wetlands and shorelines, symbolizing the ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Resilience: Praire cordgrass is known for its hardiness and capacity to withstand flooding and soil erosion, representing resilience and perseverance.
- Growth and Vitality: With its rapid growth and spread, prairie cordgrass signifies life, progression, and the vitality of nature.
- Environmental Health: The plant plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, providing habitats and stabilizing soil, hence symbolizing environmental well-being and balance.
Water
The Prairie Cordgrass prefers consistent moisture and can even tolerate wet soil conditions. During the early growth period, water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-1.5 gallons per watering session to help establish an extensive root system. Once established, the plant is quite adaptable but still prefers moist conditions, so if there is no significant rainfall, continue to water it every couple of weeks with approximately 1-1.5 gallons of water. During hot and dry spells, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to maintain soil moisture, but always let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Light
Prairie Cordgrass thrives in full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its best form and foliage color. It is best planted in an open area that is unobstructed by trees or buildings to ensure adequate light exposure throughout the day. Light conditions that are too shaded can result in a leggy plant with diminished vigor.
Temperature
Prairie Cordgrass is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It is capable of surviving winters with temperatures as low as -30°F and equally stands up to the heat of summer, withstanding temperatures over 100°F. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 85°F. As a native prairie plant, it is well-adapted to the temperature fluctuations typically found in temperate climates across North America.
Pruning
Prune Prairie Cordgrass in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps to remove the old, dead foliage and promotes fresh, robust growth. It is recommended to cut the foliage down to about 4 inches above the ground. Pruning encourages a tidy habit and can prevent self-seeding if the seed heads are also removed. Pruning is typically done once a year during this time frame.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Prairie Cordgrass prefers a moist, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix that includes loamy soil, compost, and a small amount of sand is ideal to support its growth and maintain adequate moisture without waterlogging.
Repotting
Prairie Cordgrass, being a vigorous perennial, doesn't need frequent repotting. It can be repotted or divided every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and manage its growth.
Humidity & Misting
Prairie Cordgrass thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions, typical of its natural wetland habitat, but it is adaptable and does not require specific humidity control when planted outdoors.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, damp soil, and large container.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist soil, space for spreading.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as variegated prairie cordgrass, starts its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in the spring once the soil temperature is warm enough to trigger growth. The young seedling establishes a root system and begins to produce long, narrow leaves that are striped with yellow, characteristic of its variegated nature. As it matures, the plant develops a network of rhizomes that spread horizontally, enabling it to form dense clumps and expand vegetatively. Throughout the summer, it grows tall flowering stalks that can reach several feet in height, producing flowers that eventually develop into seeds by late summer or early fall. These seeds are dispersed by wind and water, facilitating the spread of the species. As temperatures drop in autumn, the above-ground foliage dies back, while the rhizomes persist underground, allowing the plant to survive the winter and resprout the following spring.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as variegated prairie cordgrass, is typically propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in the early fall to allow enough time for the plants to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, one should dig up an established clump of cordgrass and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions should then be replanted promptly at the same soil depth they were growing at originally, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant sufficient space to grow. This popular method of propagation ensures that the variegated foliage characteristic is maintained in the new plants.