Jamaica Sawgrass Cladium mariscus subsp. jamaicensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Cladium jamaicense
- Phonetic Spelling
- KLAY-dee-um mah-RIH-skus ja-mih-SEN-sis
- Description
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Jamaica swamp sawgrass is a native herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) that grows in boggy type soils from coastal VA south to FL and west to TX including NC. Its native habitat is brackish and fresh-tidal river marshes, upper edges of salt marshes, interdune swales and marshes. This famous sedge dominates many square miles in the Everglades in FL. The Genus name is from the Greek kladion meaning “a small branch”. The species' name is from Ancient Greek marískos, meaning “bog rush”.
This large sedge in flower can reach 8-9 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade in fertile wet soils to standing water. Propagation is by division of rhizomes and seed.
The large v-shaped leaves are up to 5 feet long with scabrous edges capable of cutting skin and fabric. The branching inflorescence can be 1-2 feet long and occurs in July with fruiting in October.
This is a good plant for naturalized coastal areas in both brackish and freshwater to help control erosion. It is used in wetland restoration projects. Do not plant in areas where foot traffic will occur due to the sharp edges of the leaves.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cladium
- Species:
- mariscus
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- North America, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America
- Distribution:
- AL , AR , FL , GA , HI , LA , MS , NC , NM , SC , TX , VA
- Wildlife Value:
- Sawgrass is the larval host plant for the Palatka Skipper
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- NC Region:
- Coastal
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Greenish-brown achenes
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The brownish flowers occur on 1-2 foot branching panicles. Spikelets occur in groups of 2-3 at the ends of the drooping branches. Blooms July to October
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves spiral along the length of the stem and can be 20 inches long or more and 1/3 inch wide. Margins are sharply scabrous and teeth are also present along the main vein.. The blade can be flat or v-shaped.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Stems are hollow, smooth 3- angled and gray-green with several internodes along the 3 to 9.5 feet length.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Barrier
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Salt
- Wet Soil
