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 wind-driven 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 ger-minans), red (Rhizophora mangle),
and white (Laguncularia racemosa)--occur along the south Atlantic coast, primarily in Florida.
Mangroves are good stabilizers; however, 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 the 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. The plant performs well above the mean high water level. It is propagated similarly
to saltmeadow cordgrass and the same procedures for planting are used.
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 follosa). This plant is similar to smooth cordgrass, but it takes longer
to establish. It dominates below the mean tide level of intertidal marshes.
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