Sporobolus pumilus: Difference between revisions
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|ordo = [[Poales]] |
|ordo = [[Poales]] |
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|familia = [[Poaceae]] |
|familia = [[Poaceae]] |
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|genus = ''[[ |
|genus = ''[[Spartina]]'' |
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|species = '''''S. patens''''' |
|species = '''''S. patens''''' |
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|binomial = ''Spartina patens'' |
|binomial = ''Spartina patens'' |
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|binomial_authority = (Aiton) Muhl |
|binomial_authority = ([[William Aiton|Aiton]]) [[Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg|Muhl]] |
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|}} |
|}} |
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'''''Spartina patens''''' (saltmeadow cordgrass), also known as salt marsh hay, is a species of [[cordgrass]] native to the [[Atlantic coast]] of the [[Americas]], from [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]] south along the eastern [[United States]] to the [[Caribbean]] and northeast [[Mexico]]. It can be found in marshlands in other areas of the world as an [[introduced species]] and often a harmful [[noxious weed]]. |
'''''Spartina patens''''' (saltmeadow cordgrass), also known as salt marsh hay, is a species of [[cordgrass]] native to the [[Atlantic coast]] of the [[Americas]], from [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]] south along the eastern [[United States]] to the [[Caribbean]] and northeast [[Mexico]]. It can be found in marshlands in other areas of the world as an [[introduced species]] and often a harmful [[noxious weed]]. |
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It is a hay-like [[grass]] found in the upper areas of brackish [[coast |
It is a hay-like [[grass]] found in the upper areas of brackish [[coast]]al [[salt marsh]]es. It is a slender and wiry plant that grows in thick mats 30-60 cm high, green in spring and summer, and turns light brown in late fall and winter. The stems are wispy and hollow, and the [[Leaf|leaves]] roll inward and appear round. Because its stems are weak, the wind and water action can bend the grass, creating the appearance of a field of tufts and cowlicks. Like its relative [[smooth cordgrass]] ''S. alterniflora'', saltmeadow cordgrass produces [[flower]]s and [[seed]]s on only one side of the stalk. Flowers are a deep purple from June to October and turn brown in the winter months. |
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Saltmeadow cordgrass is found in [[high marsh]] zones where it is covered at times by high [[tide]]s. Specialized cells are able to exclude salt from entering the roots, preventing the loss of fresh water. This grass is, however, less tolerant of saltwater than some other marsh grasses. |
Saltmeadow cordgrass is found in [[high marsh]] zones where it is covered at times by high [[tide]]s. Specialized cells are able to exclude salt from entering the roots, preventing the loss of fresh water. This grass is, however, less tolerant of saltwater than some other marsh grasses. |
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A healthy salt marsh depends on the presence of plants such as salt hay grass and smooth cordgrass. These grasses provide rich habitat for [[ |
A healthy salt marsh depends on the presence of plants such as salt hay grass and smooth cordgrass. These grasses provide rich habitat for [[crustacean]]s, [[Mollusca|mollusks]], and [[bird]]s, and serve as a major source of [[organic matter|organic]] [[nutrient]]s for the entire [[estuary]]. Mats of salt hay grass are inhabited by many small animals and are an important food source for [[duck]]s and [[Ammodramus|Seaside Sparrows]]. |
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[[Image:Martin Johnson Heade - Newburyport Meadows ATC.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Newburyport, Massachusetts|Newburyport]] [[salt marsh|Meadows]]'', c. |
[[Image:Martin Johnson Heade - Newburyport Meadows ATC.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Newburyport, Massachusetts|Newburyport]] [[salt marsh|Meadows]]'', c. 1872–1878, by [[Martin Johnson Heade]]]] |
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Saltmeadow cordgrass marshes serve as pollution filters and as buffers against flooding and shoreline erosion. During the [[Colonial America|colonial era]], towns scattered from [[Narragansett Bay]] to the [[Gulf of Maine]] were often settled based on their proximity to salt marshes due to the importance of saltmeadow cordgrass for [[fodder]]. It was harvested for bedding and fodder for farm animals and for garden [[mulch]]. Before [[hay]] was baled and stored under cover, it was used to top the hay stacks in the fields. |
Saltmeadow cordgrass marshes serve as pollution filters and as buffers against flooding and shoreline erosion. During the [[Colonial America|colonial era]], towns scattered from [[Narragansett Bay]] to the [[Gulf of Maine]] were often settled based on their proximity to salt marshes due to the importance of saltmeadow cordgrass for [[fodder]]. It was harvested for bedding and fodder for farm animals and for garden [[mulch]]. Before [[hay]] was baled and stored under cover, it was used to top the hay stacks in the fields. |
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Many of the salt marshes in [[Rhode Island]] have been severely affected by filling, development, and road construction. These alterations restrict [[tidal flow]], often having a severe [[ecological]] impact on the marsh. Because saltmeadow cordgrass requires a salty, wet habitat, restricted tidal flow often dries out the marsh and encourages the growth of invasive freshwater plants. Saltmeadow and smooth cordgrasses are often out-competed for space by [[Phragmites|common reed]] in areas where human activity has disturbed or altered the marsh. Common reed is not as productive or beneficial to a salt marsh as cordgrass. |
Many of the salt marshes in [[Rhode Island]] have been severely affected by filling, development, and road construction. These alterations restrict [[tidal flow]], often having a severe [[ecology|ecological]] impact on the marsh. Because saltmeadow cordgrass requires a salty, wet habitat, restricted tidal flow often dries out the marsh and encourages the growth of invasive freshwater plants. Saltmeadow and smooth cordgrasses are often out-competed for space by [[Phragmites|common reed]] in areas where human activity has disturbed or altered the marsh. Common reed is not as productive or beneficial to a salt marsh as cordgrass. |
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While this ''Spartina'' is a key member of the salt marsh flora in its native habitat, it is known as a harmful [[invasive species]] in other parts of the world. It is a notorious pest in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where it out-competes native plants such as the soft bird's beak ''[[Cordylanthus mollis]]'' ssp. ''mollis'' and alters the habitat of rare animals such as the [[Clapper Rail]].<ref>[http://spartina.org/species/spartina-patens_v2.pdf Spartina.org Fact Sheet]</ref> This cordgrass was introduced to the [[estuary|estuaries]] of [[Oregon]] with shipments of [[oyster]]s and has been seen dominating and crowding out native vegetation there.<ref>[http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/profile_saltmeadowcordgrass.shtml Oregon Noxious Weeds]</ref> It has appeared in marshes on the [[Iberian Peninsula]], where it threatens native plant [[biodiversity]].<ref> |
While this ''Spartina'' is a key member of the salt marsh flora in its native habitat, it is known as a harmful [[invasive species]] in other parts of the world. It is a notorious pest in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where it out-competes native plants such as the soft bird's beak ''[[Cordylanthus mollis]]'' ssp. ''mollis'' and alters the habitat of rare animals such as the [[Clapper Rail]].<ref>[http://spartina.org/species/spartina-patens_v2.pdf Spartina.org Fact Sheet]</ref> This cordgrass was introduced to the [[estuary|estuaries]] of [[Oregon]] with shipments of [[oyster]]s and has been seen dominating and crowding out native vegetation there.<ref>[http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/profile_saltmeadowcordgrass.shtml Oregon Noxious Weeds]</ref> It has appeared in marshes on the [[Iberian Peninsula]], where it threatens native plant [[biodiversity]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=D. G. SanLeón, J. Izco & J. M. Sánchez |year=1999 |chapter=''Spartina patens'' as a weed in Galician saltmarshes (NW Iberian Peninsula) |journal=[[Hydrobiologia]] |volume=415 |issue=0 |pages=213–222 |doi=10.1023/A:1003835201167 |title=Biology, Ecology and Management of Aquatic Plants |editor=Joseph Caffrey, Philip R. F. Barrett, Maria Teresa Ferreira, Ilidio S. Moreira, Kevin J. Murphy & Philip Max Wade |series=Developments in Hydrobiology, Vol. 147 |isbn=978-90-481-5404-3}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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[[Category:Invasive plant species]] |
[[Category:Invasive plant species]] |
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[[Category:Invasive plant species in California]] |
[[Category:Invasive plant species in California]] |
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[[Category:Plants described in 1789]] |
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Revision as of 14:34, 14 February 2011
| Saltmeadow Cordgrass | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | S. patens
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| Binomial name | |
| Spartina patens | |
Spartina patens (saltmeadow cordgrass), also known as salt marsh hay, is a species of cordgrass native to the Atlantic coast of the Americas, from Newfoundland south along the eastern United States to the Caribbean and northeast Mexico. It can be found in marshlands in other areas of the world as an introduced species and often a harmful noxious weed.
It is a hay-like grass found in the upper areas of brackish coastal salt marshes. It is a slender and wiry plant that grows in thick mats 30-60 cm high, green in spring and summer, and turns light brown in late fall and winter. The stems are wispy and hollow, and the leaves roll inward and appear round. Because its stems are weak, the wind and water action can bend the grass, creating the appearance of a field of tufts and cowlicks. Like its relative smooth cordgrass S. alterniflora, saltmeadow cordgrass produces flowers and seeds on only one side of the stalk. Flowers are a deep purple from June to October and turn brown in the winter months.
Saltmeadow cordgrass is found in high marsh zones where it is covered at times by high tides. Specialized cells are able to exclude salt from entering the roots, preventing the loss of fresh water. This grass is, however, less tolerant of saltwater than some other marsh grasses.
A healthy salt marsh depends on the presence of plants such as salt hay grass and smooth cordgrass. These grasses provide rich habitat for crustaceans, mollusks, and birds, and serve as a major source of organic nutrients for the entire estuary. Mats of salt hay grass are inhabited by many small animals and are an important food source for ducks and Seaside Sparrows.
Saltmeadow cordgrass marshes serve as pollution filters and as buffers against flooding and shoreline erosion. During the colonial era, towns scattered from Narragansett Bay to the Gulf of Maine were often settled based on their proximity to salt marshes due to the importance of saltmeadow cordgrass for fodder. It was harvested for bedding and fodder for farm animals and for garden mulch. Before hay was baled and stored under cover, it was used to top the hay stacks in the fields.
Many of the salt marshes in Rhode Island have been severely affected by filling, development, and road construction. These alterations restrict tidal flow, often having a severe ecological impact on the marsh. Because saltmeadow cordgrass requires a salty, wet habitat, restricted tidal flow often dries out the marsh and encourages the growth of invasive freshwater plants. Saltmeadow and smooth cordgrasses are often out-competed for space by common reed in areas where human activity has disturbed or altered the marsh. Common reed is not as productive or beneficial to a salt marsh as cordgrass.
While this Spartina is a key member of the salt marsh flora in its native habitat, it is known as a harmful invasive species in other parts of the world. It is a notorious pest in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it out-competes native plants such as the soft bird's beak Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis and alters the habitat of rare animals such as the Clapper Rail.[1] This cordgrass was introduced to the estuaries of Oregon with shipments of oysters and has been seen dominating and crowding out native vegetation there.[2] It has appeared in marshes on the Iberian Peninsula, where it threatens native plant biodiversity.[3]
References
- ^ Spartina.org Fact Sheet
- ^ Oregon Noxious Weeds
- ^ D. G. SanLeón, J. Izco & J. M. Sánchez (1999). Joseph Caffrey, Philip R. F. Barrett, Maria Teresa Ferreira, Ilidio S. Moreira, Kevin J. Murphy & Philip Max Wade (ed.). "Biology, Ecology and Management of Aquatic Plants". Hydrobiologia. Developments in Hydrobiology, Vol. 147. 415 (0): 213–222. doi:10.1023/A:1003835201167. ISBN 978-90-481-5404-3.
{{cite journal}}:|chapter=ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)