ribbed mussels {Isohadiwn dem-isswn) with Pacific cordgrass roots and 

 rhizomes adds substantially to substrate stability. This mussel-cord- 

 grass association may be propagated by planting large plugs (Newcombe, 

 1978). 



Pacific cordgrass grows through most of the upper half of the tidal 

 range. However, only the stunted form appears with pickleweed above 

 MHW. There may be considerable competition from pickleweed in this zone. 



(2) Pickleweed . This plant is the principal colonizer from 

 MHW to extreme high tide of recently exposed sites. It is a fleshy- 

 stemmed, weedy-type plant. It spreads by seeds and vegetatively and 

 covers bare areas quickly. Pickleweed is not equipped to supply oxygen 

 to the roots from the above-ground parts. It forms a dense mat above 

 the soil surface but is shallow-rooted; therefore, the plant is not as 

 effective as a stabilizer as Pacific cordgrass. Pickleweed is easy to 

 plant and is the best plant to use upslope of Pacific cordgrass plant- 

 ings. In less exposed areas, it may not be necessary to plant it 

 (Newcombe and Pride, 1976). 



(3) Other Plants . A variety of secondary species occurs in 

 high marshes. Gum plant [Gvindelia sp.) , plantain [Plantago sp.) , salt- 

 bush (Atriplex sp.), frankenia {Fvankenia grandifolea) , arrowgrass, sea 

 lavender, Jaumea, seablite, and saltgrass are some of the more common 

 ones. All of these plants contribute to stabilization and productivity. 

 Planting of these is not usually advisable because they will invade 

 stands of more easily planted species. 



(4) Smooth Cordgrass . This species is more vigorous than 

 Pacific cordgrass and easier to establish along much of the Pacific 

 coast. It is probably more useful for shoreline stabilization than 

 Pacific cordgrass. Smooth cordgrass was introduced accidentally in 

 Willapa Bay, Washington, in 1889 and 1918 and has spread extensively 

 into flats and has replaced native species (Jefferson, 1975). It 

 appears to be equally well adapted in northern California and will pro- 

 bably grow even better farther south. Consequently, the introduction 

 of this species anywhere along the west coast should be weighed very 

 carefully. Such a step is very likely to be irreversible, for all 

 practical purposes. Therefore, it should not be taken until all aspects 

 and interests have received full consideration. 



f . Great Lakes . Marsh planting along the shorelines of the Great 

 Lakes has not been investigated. Hall and Ludwig (1975) surveyed shore- 

 line vegetation in this region and rated the species for their stabili- 

 zation potential. The following suggestions are based on their findings, 

 plus planting experience and observations made elsewhere. 



Shading of marsh and other shoreline plants by tree species requires 

 special attention on some Great Lakes sites because the absence of salt 



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