saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens)
ODA rating: A
Description
Perennial aquatic grass. Grows 1 to 4 feet tall. Leaf blades in-rolled at margins, 1 to 4 mm wide at base. Blade at a 45 degree angle to stem. Internodes are firm. Rhizomes are lacking or long and wiry. Salt-meadow cordgrass is similar to common cordgrass (S. anglica), smooth cordgrass (S. alterniflora), and dense-flowered cordgrass (S. densiflora). A detailed key is recommended for positive identification.
Impacts
This species of cordgrass invades the high marsh in estuaries. It does not invade open lower intertidal mudflats, but dominates plants in this highest tidal zone completely displacing native vegetation and forming monocultures.
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Images courtesy of Tom Forney, Oregon Dept. of Agriculture.
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If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the photographer.
Introduction
Salt-meadow cordgrass is the only Spartina species known to occur in Oregon, and is only in one known location. It is also known to occur in Washington and British Columbia.
Distribution in Oregon
The first documented site in Oregon was 1977 in Lane County.
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. This weed is being managed for eradication.
Informational Links
WeedMapper
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