Smooth Cord-grass

Smooth Cordgrass - Spartina alterniflora  is the Most Recognizable Tall Grass found in Wetlands

Smooth Cord-grass, also known as oyster grass or saltwater cordgrass, is most recognizable as the tall grass found in wetlands. It grows in salt marshes and varies in height greatly. Its mature height depends on its proximity to the water. The closer it is to water, the taller it will grow. Once it reaches maturity, typically a height of about 12 inches, smooth cordgrass resembles wheat in appearance because of the seeds that can be found near the top of each blade. When it is young, you will notice a red tinge to the leaves--this is how you will know that it is healthy.

 Smooth Cordgrass is Used around Ponds to Neutralize the Soil 

In landscaping, it is most often used around ponds to neutralize the soil, which helps with growing other plants nearby. While the appearance of smooth cordgrass would lead you to believe it produces a lot of seeds, most of the seeds you see are empty or unable to produce more plants. Therefore, smooth cordgrass is sold and planted as a bare root. Smooth cordgrass will need to be planted in an area with low water circulation, as too much water circulation will cause them to dislodge. It is recommended that you do not plant this grass before April first unless the last frost comes in your area before April first. One great thing about smooth cordgrass is it is a perennial and will return year after year with no or low maintenance. Smooth cordgrass is perennial and ships in bare-root form.

This plant grows to 3-5 feet in height, with long tapered blades that fold downward. Intolerant of shade, the smooth cordgrass is a vital plant species in estuaries on the eastern coast. It's roots provide essential food for snow geese, and can grow in a wide range of salinity, from fresh to salt waters.

 The  Spartina alterniflora grass, more frequently referred to as the Smooth Cordgrass or the Saltwater Cordgrass, is a perennial member of the Poaceae family of grass in the order of Poales. In keeping with its colloquial reference name, this grass grows primarily in wet saltwater habitats. Commonly found in salty marshlands and saltwater meadowlands along the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada. The Smooth Cordgrass is also found growing as far South as Latin America and Argentina. 

  Under optimal growth conditions, the Smooth Cordgrass grows to a maximum height of approximately 5 feet tall, with average heights ranging between 3 feet to 4.5 feet tall. The distinctive leaves of the Smooth Cordgrass grow to a maximum length of 2 feet, with average lengths between 8 inches to 15 inches. 

  The Smooth Cordgrass typically produces flowers with a blended yellow-green hue, and the grass typically grows through its rhizomes and roots. As the name, Saltwater Cordgrass, would suggest, this grass prefers high pH habitats. 

  Spartina alterniflora is most commonly used to help additional engineer plant and wildlife growth in protected wetlands and coastal sanctuaries. This plant most frequently planted at the beginning of a conservation project to help develop the environment so that new plant and animal species can settle into the environment.

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