Seven Varieties of Salt Marsh Plants by the Numbers

All seven of these plants will be used to revegetate Great Meadows Marsh, in addition to 3,000 rare marsh pink flowers.

Marsh Pink at Great Meadows. Credit: USFWS.

~ 60,000 Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata): A great filler crop due to its ability to quickly revegetate an area.

~ 50,000 Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens): Provides important habitat for crustaceans, mollusks, and birds alike, while buffering the coast from erosion and pollution.

~ 10,000 Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora): Grows into thicks mats that provide food for mammals and birds all year round.

~ 5,000 Saltmarsh Bulrush (Schoenoplectus robustus): Produces seeds for birds and rodents, while providing cover for nesting birds.

~ 1,500 Groundsel Bush (Baccharis hamilifoila): Produces flowers which attract pollinators and provides food and shelter for wildlife.

~ 1,400 Salt Bush (Iva fructescens): Provides habitat for the marsh wren songbird.

Prairie Grass (Spartina pectinata): Prevents water erosion by stabilizing soil and provides seedheads for many bird species. (The order has been delayed until fall 2023)

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