(1) Smooth Cordgrass . This is the dominant flowering plant in 

 the regularly flooded intertidal zone wherever salt marsh occurs through- 

 out the gulf coast. There are distinct geographic populations of this 

 grass along the Atlantic and gulf coasts that retain their identity when 

 grown side by side (Seneca, 1974). Plants of the gulf coast have longer 

 and narrower, more upright leaves than those of more northern origin. 

 Other characteristics of smooth cordgrass are discussed in the Atlantic 

 coast. Section IV, 1, a (1). 



(2) Saltmeadow Cordgrass . This grass occupies extensive areas 

 of irregularly flooded high marsh on gently sloping topography such as 

 around the mouth of the Mississippi River--6 million hectares in Louisi- 

 ana alone (Chabreck, 1972). It is often mixed with saltgrass, patches 

 of needle rush, and other high marsh species. Saltmeadow cordgrass also 

 grows at still higher elevations, producing sparse growth on dry sand- 

 flats and low dunes. Other characteristics are discussed in the Atlantic 

 coast. Section IV, 1, a (2). 



(3) Black Needle Rush. Black needle rush occurs extensively 

 along the gulf coast as high marsh inundated only by wind-driven tides 

 or floodwaters. It also grows in mixture with smooth cordgrass, salt- 

 meadow cordgrass, and saltgrass, often occurring as patches within these 

 stands. Black needle rush frequently occurs in pure stands adjacent to 

 the uplands where there is regular seepage of freshwater. Other charac- 

 teristics of this plant are discussed in the Atlantic coast. Section IV, 

 1, a (3). 



(4) Saltgrass . This species is widespread in the more saline, 

 high marshes along the gulf coast. It is rarely dominant except in 

 poorly drained patches or in narrow bands. Saltgrass usually occurs in 

 mixture with saltmeadow cordgrass or black needle rush. Other charac- 

 teristics of this plant are discussed in the Atlantic coast. Section IV, 

 1, a (5). 



(5) Big Cordgrass . This grass grows in low salinity areas, 

 generally above MHW. Along the gulf coast it and common reed frequently 

 form a "cane zone" where there is a strong freshwater influence at the 

 transition to higher ground. Other characteristics are discussed in the 

 Atlantic coast. Section IV, 1, a (6). 



C6) Common Reed. This large, coarse grass is widely distrib- 

 uted in brackish to freshwater areas where it grows above MHW. This 

 plant seeds profusely, spreads vegetatively by rhizomes and stolons, 

 and quickly invades disturbed areas. Because common reed can become a 

 nuisance by crowding out more desirable plants, it should be introduced 

 to new areas with extreme caution. Other characteristics are discussed 

 in the Atlantic coast. Section IV, 1, a (7). 



(7) Gulf Cordgrass . This is a bunch-type grass somewhat re- 

 sembling but readily distinguishable from saltmeadow cordgrass by its 



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