sawgrass

Sawgrass refers to several tall sedges in the genus Cladium, most notably Cladium jamaicense. It is a perennial, rhizomatous plant with sharp, saw-like leaf margins, which is why the common name “sawgrass” is applied. Although called grass, it is not a true grass but a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae).

Sawgrass typically grows in freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and wet prairies, and is a dominant component of the landscape in many subtropical and tropical environments. In North America, it is especially associated with the Florida Everglades, where dense stands form expansive sawgrass prairies. The plant can reach heights of up to about two meters, with stiff, blade-like leaves arranged around triangular stems. The inflorescence is a brownish spike or panicle that appears in summer, containing numerous small spikelets. Reproduction occurs through both seeds and underground rhizomes, which help the plant spread and form large stands.

Ecologically, sawgrass plays a key role in wetland ecosystems. Its dense, fibrous rhizomes stabilize soils and influence water flow, while the stands provide habitat and forage for wildlife, including wading birds, waterfowl, and small mammals. Fire and hydroperiod (the duration and depth of flooding) influence its regrowth, with periodic fires and natural wet-dry cycles helping to maintain the characteristic marshes. In some regions, hydrological alteration and climate change threaten traditional sawgrass habitats, affecting the balance of associated plant and animal communities.

Taxonomically, sawgrass species are native to the Americas, with Cladium jamaicense being the most widely recognized in North American wetlands. The term highlights the distinctive serrated leaf margins rather than any true grass characteristics.