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.

A close up photo of several Marsh Pink flowers at Great Meadows.
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)