Seashore Dropseed

Scientific Name: Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth

Seashore Dropseed

General Information
Usda Symbol	SPVI3
Group	Monocot
Life Cycle	Perennial
Growth Habits	Graminoid
Native Locations	SPVI3

Plant Guide

Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Seashore Dropseed.

Fact Sheet

Alternate Names

Aki aki, aki, mahiki, mahikihiki, manienie, manienie aki aki, manienie mahikihiki, manienie maoli, seashore rushgrass, marshgrass, crabgrass, beach dropseed.

Uses

Conservation: Sporobolus virginicus does very well as a dune stabilizer, It has potential for stream bank stabilization and also roadside slope stabilization, Cultural: In some places S, virginicus is medicinally used to relieve urinary irritation and throat irritation, Wildlife: Many native seabirds find shelter and build nests in coastal stands of S, virginicus, It also provides excellent winter food for wild geese, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Seashore Dropseed., Forage: S, virginicus has high protein and mineral content and is readily grazed by cattle,

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Description

Sporobolus virginicus is a low-growing vigorous perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes. The height ranges from 4 to 8 inches tall. Roots can grow down to 18” deep. Leaves are 1-4” long and 0.04-0.12” wide with distinctly two-ranked and salt crystals common on leaves and stems. The leaf sheath is overlapping and hairy at the throat. Its inflorescence is dense and spike-like. The panicle, 3” long, is shorter than other Sporobolus species.

Adaptation and Distribution

Distribution

Distribution

S. virginicus is commonly found in coastal dune habitats and it does best if sea water level fluctuates from 2 inches above soil surface to 6 inches below. It also does well in a variety of different soils from clays to sands. Being a plant that is adapted to low rainfall and high salinity, S. virginicus is fairly wide spread throughout the tropical regions and is native to the Pacific Islands Region as well as the continental United States. It also occurs in Africa, western seaboard of India, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

Establishment

Although S. virginicus does produce seed, very little of it is viable. The only practical way to propagate it is by vegetative rhizomatous slips. Actively growing slips should be selected for propagation. Cut back increase-plots to initiate active growth. Cut rhizomatous slips 3-4’ long and plant in sterile, well drained medium such as Sunshine4TM potting mix which has worked well. Place propagules under 50% shade and keep planting medium moist. Once the slips begin to take, it is recommended that time-