common cordgrass (Spartina anglica)
ODA rating: A and T
Description
Perennial aquatic grass. Grows 1 to 4 feet tall. Leaf (blade) flat with margins loosely in-rolled at tip, 1/4 to 1/2 inch. wide at base. Blade is at a 40-80˚ angle to the stem. Internodes are fleshy. Inflorescence is slightly open, branches loosely erect to ascending and loosely overlapping. Rhizomes are long and fleshy. Similar to dense-flowered cordgrass (S. densiflora), salt-meadow cordgrass (S. patens), and smooth cordgrass (S. alterniflora ). A detailed key is recommended for positive identification. Common cordgrass has not yet been positively identified in Oregon.
Impacts
Cordgrasses are coastal grass species that can invade salt marsh and mud flat habitats. One plant can develop into a large, circular cloned patch of many meters in diameter. Many patches on barren mudflats can spread until no open space remains.
Please note the images do not enlarge.
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Images Courtesy of Washington State Weed Control Board.
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If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the photographer.
Introduction
Spartina anglica is the product of a cross between two other Spartina species: S.maritima and S. alterniflora.(Hubbard 1965) The original cross is thought to have occurred in Hampshire, Britain around 1870.(Raybould et al. 199lb) In 1961 or 1962 the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Washington State University introduced what they thought the sterile S. x townsendii to the Stillaguamish estuary in Port Susan Bay to provide forage for cattle. It is now known the plants were actually the fertile S. anglica.(Washington Noxious Weed Board)
Distribution in Oregon
Not known to exist in Oregon.
Map legend
Yellow: limited distribution
Red: abundant
Grey: not known to be present
Biological controls
Biological control agents are not used on "A" listed weeds in Oregon. If this weed is found in the state it will be managed for eradicaton or containment.
Informational links
WeedMapper
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