Gulf cordgrass is a stout, native, perennial grass that grows in dense clumps. It has a non-rhizomatous base, although occasionally it can be sub-rhizomatous towards the outer edges of the clump. Also called sacahuista, the tips of this grass’s leaf blades are sharp and spine-like. It flowers in spring, summer, and rarely in the fall. It is moderately saline tolerant (0-18 ppt.), and does well in mesic areas. It can even grow in soils that are occasionally submerged, but are above sea level most of the time.

The genus name comes from the Greek word “spartine’, meaning cord from spartes or Spartium junceum. The genus name probably was given because the leaf blades are tough, like cords; hence, the common name cordgrass.