Marshhay cordgrass

Spartina patens

Poaceae


Description

Slender stems grow from creeping or non-rhizomatous bases. The stems are discolored at the base. The leaf blades usually roll inward. The inflorescence has two or more spikes that are spread along the axis. Spikelets are smooth and awnless.

Marshhay cordgrass is a perennial, warm-season, native - 12 to 50 inches tall.

Good grazing for livestock. Poor grazing for wildlife.


Habitat

Common on beaches, sandy flats, low dunes, muddy bayous and marshlands. This plant decreases with heavy grazing.


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