What does Spartina look like?
Each species of Spartina has somewhat different characteristics. You can see photos of each non-native cordgrass species at http://oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS and http://www.clr.pdx.edu/projects/ans_research/spartina/index.html. These perennial grasses range from two to eight feet tall. They grow in intertidal estuarine habitats (not in freshwater) and are typically found in large circular patches. The stems are round and cross sections are hollow between each node. Leaf blades are sharply pointed at the tips and do not have a midrib. The ligule – found where the leaf blade joins the stem – consists only of a fringe of hairs. Flower spikes occur in late summer to fall. Three of the four invasive Spartina species are deciduous, meaning their stems die back to the ground at the end of the growing season; the fourth stays green year-round and grows in dense tufts. What can kayakers do to help? Clean your kayaks and other gear Kayaking gear could potentially spread seeds of invasive plants
