Figure 30. Seven years growth from single sprig of black needle 

 rush (darker clump in right center), CERC Field 

 Research Facility, Duck, North Carolina. 



isolated from natural stands, it may be advisable to include 1 to 5 percent 

 black needle rush in the initial planting to ensure the presence of a seed 

 supply. Seeds mature in late spring or early summer. Fall planting might be 

 considered for protected sites. 



a. Planting Techniques . Transplants or potted seedlings. 



b. Soil and Salinity. Silty clays, sand, and loams; to 25 parts per 

 thousand salinity (Kadlec and Wentz, 1974), but infrequently occurring in 

 freshwater marshes (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, 1978). 



c. Planting Zone . MHW to extreme highest tide (varies from this where 

 water levels are wind-controlled). 



d. Planting Density . 1- to 4-meter spacing. 



e. Planting Width . No minimum. 



f. Planting Date . Spring. 



g. Fertilization Requirements . 0.3 to 0.5 kilonewton of nitrogen (N) and 

 phosphate (P2O5) per hectare from soluble sources 2 to 4 weeks after planting. 



2. Common Reed (Phvagmitee communis) . 



This perennial grass is widespread throughout the United States especially 

 in the northwest and east. It is an aggressive, weedy plant which often 



69 



