Black Needle Rush (juncus roemerianus). This species is extensive along the Atlantic coast south
of New England. It is found in high marshes where it is flooded only by winddriven tides or in areas near
the edge of uplands where freshwater seepage regularly occurs. It is a good stabilizer, although difficult
to propagate, yet under favorable conditions it will invade areas already populated by cordgrasses.
Common Reed (Phragmites communis). The common reed grows 4.5 to 12 feet tall and is
widely distributed in brackish (salinity range 1 to 35 ppt) to freshwater areas above the mean high water
level. It is easy to transplant and provides good stability; however, it does tend to compete with other
plants and may become a nuisance by crowding out more desirable species.
Mangroves. Three species of mangrove--black (Avicennia germinans), red (Rhizophora mangle),
and white (Laguncularia racemosa)--occur along the south Atlantic coast, primarily in Florida.
Mangroves are good stabilizers, but they require considerably more time (2 or 3 years) than grasses to
become established. During this time, the plants are susceptible to possible damage from tides, traffic,
and browsing animals. Mangrove seeds, seedlings, or plants are best planted in established cordgrass
stands, which provide stability until the mangroves are established.
Slow-release (e.g., osmocote) or a magnesium-ammonium phosphate fertilizer can be placed in
the planting hole if needed, especially for the larger transplants. Daily watering may be required if
flooding does not occur.
Gulf Coast Marshes. The vegetation found in gulf coast marshes does not substantially differ from
south Atlantic coast marshes. Grasses, primarily saltgrass and gulf cordgrass, are prevalent, while
smooth cordgrass, saltmeadow cordgrass, and black needle rush are also common.
Gulf Cordgrass (Spartina spartinae). Gulf cordgrass is found along the gulf coast from southwest
Louisiana to Texas. It performs well above the mean high water level. It is propagated like saltmeadow
cordgrass, using the same procedure.
Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) - Saltgrass is generally limited to the more saline, high marshes
along the gulf coast. The plant is usually found in a mixture with saltmeadow cordgrass or black needle
rush, and is rarely the dominant species except in poorly drained areas or in narrow bands. Saltgrass is
more difficult to establish than the cordgrasses and usually is allowed to volunteer into cordgrass
plantings.
Pacific Coast Marshes.
Vegetation in marshes along the Pacific coast is more diverse than along the
Atlantic coast.
Pacific cordgrass is found along the central and southern California coasts. Pickleweed, sedges,
arrowgrass, and tufted hair grass are common along the northern Pacific coast.
Pacific Cordgrass (Spartina foliosa). It is similar to smooth cordgrass, but it takes longer to
establish. It dominates below the mean tide level of intertidal marshes. Plants and sprigs should be
inserted by hand in holes made in soft, fine-textured soils. Fertilizers should contain equal quantities of
available nitrogen and phosphate.
Pickleweed (Salicornia spp. ). From mean high water to extreme high tide, various species of
pickleweed can be used upslope of Pacific cordgrass. It will spread both by seeds and vegetatively (by
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