II. Tidal marsh 



Spartina alterniflora, Salt Marsh Cord 

 Grass 



A large coarse grass found at the margin 

 of tidal marshes and along all creeks and 

 pools in the marsh. Ligule a fringe of 

 hairs, base fused and membranous. Blade 

 of 18 mm wide. A dwarf form occurs in 

 the lower portion of the S. patens zone. 

 Growing from a rhizome covered with 

 white papery scales; flowers in comblike 

 cluster, tight against the stem. 



Figure 93.— Ligule X4. 



Spartina patens, Salt Marsh Hay 



A slender grass forming almost pure stands 

 on lower slope of the marsh, also on sea 

 beaches. In late summer and fall the growth 

 habit shows a "cowlick" formation. Basal 

 leaves filiform (threadlike) , upper leaves to 

 1 dm long, ligule a fringe of hairs ; flower 

 two or more comblike spikes forming an 

 open panicle, purplish, flowers unilateral 

 on spike. 



Figure 94. — Ligule X4. 



Spartina pectinata, Fresh Water Cord Grass 



A tall coarse grass found growing around the 

 upland edge of the tidal marsh and on upper 

 reaches of the creeks in low salinity. Leaf 

 margins and glume keel strongly scabrous, harsh 

 to run finger down edge. Growth from a large 

 scaly rhizome. Ligule a fringe of hairs to 2 mm 

 long; blade 6-10 mm wide. Flower stalks with 

 many panicles of comblike spikes, long awns 

 on flowers of spikes. 



Figure 95.— Ligule X3. 



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