Species › Plants › Smooth Cordgrass

Smooth Cordgrass

Spartina alterniflora

CommonPlant
Illustration of Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

Smooth Cordgrass is the dominant grass of Atlantic and Gulf Coast salt marshes, forming the foundation of one of the most productive ecosystems in North America. It tolerates salt water and tidal inundation, stabilizing marsh sediments and providing critical habitat for clapper rails, seaside sparrows, and many juvenile fish and shellfish.

Habitat
Salt marshes and intertidal zones of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts
Diet
Provides structural habitat for clapper rails and seaside sparrows; nursery for fish
How common
Common

Best time to see a Smooth Cordgrass

The best time to see a Smooth Cordgrass is June–October, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,347 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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