Spartina

Spartina is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae, commonly known as cordgrasses. They are perennial, rhizomatous plants that inhabit saline and brackish coastal wetlands and estuaries around the world. Spartina species typically form dense stands with tall, slender stems and long, narrow leaves. Their creeping rhizomes help stabilize sediments and contribute to marsh accretion, while the stands provide habitat for birds and invertebrates.

Distribution and ecology

Spartina species occur in temperate coastal regions of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. They are adapted to fluctuating salinity and waterlogged soils, often occupying intertidal zones. In native ranges, they play important roles in shoreline protection and nutrient cycling. When introduced outside their native range, some Spartina species can become invasive, altering hydrology, reducing native plant diversity, and changing ecosystem structure.

Taxonomy and notable species

The genus includes several well-known species, such as Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) and Spartina patens (often called saltmeadow cordgrass). In Europe, hybridization between Spartina alterniflora and the native Spartina maritima produced Spartina × townsendii. Subsequent chromosome doubling gave rise to Spartina anglica, a vigorous allopolyploid that can dominate certain marshes in some regions. Other species, such as Spartina foliosa on the West Coast of North America and Spartina densiflora, occur in various habitats and can form hybrid lineages with introduced taxa.

Uses and management

Spartina is valued for its role in coastal restoration and shoreline stabilization. However, where non-native species become aggressive, management focuses on maintaining native marsh biodiversity, controlling hybrids, and monitoring ecological impacts.