Sporobolus virginicus, or Seashore dropseed, is a perennial grass that grows up to 18 inches tall. Its sprawling rhizomes form dense stands along back beaches and foredunes. A smaller variety is common in the swales between dunes. Each stem produces one seed spike. Rubbing the spike will release its shiny, reddish seeds. Leaf sheaths overlap, and the blades are evenly spaced on alternate sides of the stem. Stems that fall over will root at their nodes.
References
Duncan, W. H., & Duncan, M. B. (1987). The Smithsonian guide to seaside plants of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Louisiana to Massachusetts, exclusive of lower peninsular Florida. Washington, D.C: Smithsonian Institution Press.
Richardson, A. (2013). Wildflowers and other plants of Texas beaches and islands. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press.
