Common Cordgrass
Spartina anglica
Washington State Classification
Class A — Eradication Required Statewide
In general, the Spartina genus is considered highly invasive and one of the most aggressive worldwide.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
It is a stout, rhizomatous salt marsh grass that spreads by clonal growth. It may grow up to 3.25 feet tall and be variable in it characteristics as a result of its hybrid origins.
Leaves
Leaves have ligules that are a fringe of hairs. Leaf blades are either flat or in-rolled and are .2 to .5 inches wide and may be persistent or falling.
Flowers
The flowers occur in numerous, upright, contracted clusters (panicles), which consist of closely overlapping spikelets in two rows on one side of the rachis (stem).
Fruit & Seeds
Common cordgrass can produce viable seed though seed production is variable.
Impact
In general, the Spartina genus is considered highly invasive and one of the most aggressive worldwide. Spartina displaces native species, destroys wildlife habitat, interferes with recreational activities and is difficult and expensive to control.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Common cordgrass grows in the intertidal zone and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. It can grow in a variety of soils including clays, fine silts, organic muds, sands and shingle. It can tolerate inundation for many hours. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of common cordgrass in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
It can spread by seed, rhizomes, tillering and rhizome fragments.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Seedlings can be pulled out effectively. Care must be taken to remove both shoots and roots. Seedlings generally begin tillering late in their first growing season. Once the plant has tillered, hand-pulling may break off portions of root, allowing the plant to resprout. Pulling or digging established clones is difficult and largely ineffectual. Mowing infestations can contain growth, limit seed set, and eventually kill the plants. To be effective, clones must be mowed repeatedly, beginning with initial spring green-up and continued until fall die-back.