Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 9394776

Saltmarsh Cordgrass

Sporobolus alterniflorus

Also known as Smooth Cordgrass, Salt-water Cordgrass

Saltmarsh Cordgrass is a robust perennial grass that forms broad stands in regularly flooded tidal marshes. Smooth arching leaf blades line upright stems, and narrow flower branches hug the upper stalk.

salt marshtidal grassrhizomatous
Saltmarsh Cordgrass reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) er-birds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by er-birds · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Produces energy through photosynthesis and draws nutrients through salt-tolerant rhizomes
Predators
  • marsh grasshoppers
  • geese
  • rodents
ThreatsCoastal development, erosion, oil pollution, altered tides, and rising sea level
HabitatsLow salt marshes, estuarine shores, tidal creeks, mudflats, and sheltered coastal wetlands
Life spanLong-lived perennial clones can persist and spread for many decades
Classification
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyPoaceae
  3. GenusSporobolus
  4. SpeciesSporobolus alterniflorus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Tidal mud can be deep and unstable; observe marsh stands from secure ground.
Responsible observation
  • Identify: Check for smooth blades and compact flower branches pressed against the stem.
  • Protect: Stay on designated routes to avoid crushing marsh surface and hidden wildlife.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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