Saltmarsh Cordgrass, Saltwater Cordgrass, Salt Cordgrass, Smooth Cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora var. glabra, Spartina alterniflora var. pilosa
Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) is a rhizomatous perennial grass that grows initially in round clumps, eventually forming extensive monoculture meadows. The stiffly erect stems are hollow and hairless. The leaves are 8-20 in. (20-50 cm) long and are often purplish at the base. In summer and fall, densely packed clusters of tan flowers develop. They give way to flattened and smooth fruits with pointed tips. Smooth Cordgrass has a dense rhizome system that binds coastal mud and its sturdy stems decrease wave action allowing silt deposition, causing elevation of the mudbank, and assisting in land reclamation. Smooth cordgrass is an important component of Gulf Coast salt marshes which stabilize shorelines against erosion and filter heavy metals and toxic materials from the water column. As a result, it was widely planted at coastal sites throughout the UK, Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, and the USA, where it has naturally colonized large areas of tidal mudflats, becoming an invasive species. Smooth Cordgrass dies back at the end of each growing season. It is used by a variety of wildlife species and is an important food source for West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), snow geese (Chen caerulescens) and provides cover for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and muskrats. It also provides a habitat for commercially important fish and shellfish.
Hardiness |
5 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses, Perennials |
Plant Family | Poaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | High |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | California, United States, Northeast, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Salt, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
5 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses, Perennials |
Plant Family | Poaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | High |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | California, United States, Northeast, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Salt, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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