Smooth and common cordgrass

Spartina alterniflora and Spartina anglica

Description

Both smooth and common cordgrass are perennial aquatic grasses. Smooth cordgrass grows erect to 5 feet tall. When fresh, the leaves are flat without prominent midrib and tapers to a sharp tip. Stems are round with joints, hollow between the joints and often red at the base of healthy young plants. The inflorescence is arranged in compact spikes two to three-inches long. Common cordgrass grows 1 to 4 feet tall, has flat leaves with margins loosely in-rolled at tip, a wide base, and fleshy internodes. The inflorescence is slightly open, with branches loosely erect to ascending and loosely overlapping.

Habitat

Intertidal zone, mudflats or sand flats

Distribution

Western Washington around Puget Sound, Pacific coast of Washington (smooth cordgrass)

Impacts

Both of these species trap sediment, causing unnatural accumulation and loss of waterways and habitat. They alter water circulation patters, displace native species and ecosystems (e.g. mud- and sand flat communities based on bottom-dwelling microalgae), and impede waterfowl migration and recreational activities.

Dispersal Methods

Natural dispersal and intentional introduction

Prevention

Look for both cordgrass species on mud or sand flats in coastal areas and marshes. Prevention of seed production is necessary to prevent spread.

Listings

ODA's A List and OISC 100 Most Invasive Species

Photos

http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/gallery_spartina.shtml
http://plants.usda.gov/java/imageGallery?category=sciname&txtparm=Spartina&familycategory=all&growthhabit=all&duration=all&origin=all&wetland=all&imagetype=all&artist=all©right=all&location=all&stateSelect=all&cite=all&viewsort=15&sort=sciname

Distribution Map

Distribution of Common Cordgrass in Washington
Distribution of Smooth Cordgrass in Washington

CWMA Warnings

North Coast

Mid-Coast