Grass
Seashore Dropseed
Sporobolus virginicus
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardSporobolus virginicus
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow to Moderate
Mature size1-1.5 feet × 2-3 feet
About Seashore Dropseed
Seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus) is a creeping, salt-tolerant native grass found along coastal shorelines of the southeastern United States and tropics, forming dense low mats of fine, wiry foliage. It is valued for shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and as a low-maintenance turf alternative in coastal landscapes. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Seashore dropseed requires full sun and is naturally found in open coastal environments in NE Florida. It will not form its characteristic dense mat in shade — site in fully exposed, sunny coastal or garden locations.
Water
Tolerates a wide moisture range — from periodically inundated brackish or saline soils to moderately dry sandy soils typical of NE Florida beaches. Low to moderate irrigation is appropriate; once established it is highly drought tolerant and needs little supplemental water.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in NE Florida's sandy, well-drained or occasionally wet coastal soils. No fertilization is typically needed — it is adapted to nutrient-poor coastal conditions. Its rhizomatous spreading habit makes it excellent as an erosion-control groundcover or turf alternative in salty coastal landscapes.
Similar needs
Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $6.95Same conditions
Sand Cordgrass
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Seashore Paspalum
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $9.95Same conditions
Atamasco Lily
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Bald Cypress
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Blue Mistflower
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $9.95Same conditions
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Common questions
Is Seashore Dropseed a good plant for St. Augustine?
Seashore Dropseed is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-1.5 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.