smooth cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora)
This species is Native to certain parts of the United States but may be invasive to others
Appearance
Spartina alterniflora is a perennial grass that expands via underground rhizomes. It is native to the eastern United States, but is considered invasive, in salt marshes, in California. Hollow stems grow from 2-4 ft. (0.6-1.2 m) tall.
Foliage
Leaves are 8-20 in. (20-50 cm) long, 1-8 in. (2.5-20 cm) wide and are often purplish at the base.
Flowers
Flowering occurs in July to November, when densely packed clusters of tan flowers develop.
Fruit
The fruit are flattened and smooth, with pointed tips. The plant also expands via underground rhizomes.
Ecological Threat
Spartina alterniflora was introduced on the west coast in the early 1970s to be used as erosion control. Plants have become extremely invasive in San Francisco Bay, Willapa Bay and Puget Sound.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Poales |
| Family: Poaceae |
| Genus: Spartina |
| Spartina alterniflora |
Other System Links
Plants: SPAL
Bayer: SPTAL
GRIN: 103562
ITIS: 41267
NPDN Pest: PCACXBA
NPDN Host: 36265
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.