Cladium mariscus subsp. jamaicense, commonly known as sawgrass, is a perennial sedge native to freshwater marshes, wet prairies, and the Everglades in the southeastern United States and the tropical Americas. It is a key species in the Everglades ecosystem, where it forms extensive monotypic stands. This plant can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall, with long, narrow, and sharply serrated leaves that can cut skin, hence the name "sawgrass." It produces brownish spikelets on tall stems that are not particularly showy, but are characteristic of the species. Sawgrass blooms from spring to summer.

Sawgrass is valued for its role in water filtration and soil stabilization in its native habitat. It is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture due to its sharp leaves and large size, but it may be utilized in naturalized plantings or for ecological restoration projects. Sawgrass thrives in full sun and requires constant moisture or even inundation, making it suitable for wetland or water garden settings. It is adapted to a range of soil types, from sandy to heavy clay, as long as they are wet. There are no popular garden cultivars of this subspecies. Potential problems include its aggressive growth habit, which can make it invasive outside its native range. It can also be difficult to manage due to its sharp leaves.CC BY-SA 4.0