Tidal Marsh/ Marsh Spike Grass

COMMON NAME: Marsh Spike Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Seashore Salt Grass, Marsh Salt Grass, Salt Grass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Distichlis spicata

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 9 to 24 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Mid-August to mid October

FRUITING TIME: Late August to mid October

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas, to Mexico ~ Throughout coastal strip in New Jersey on salt marshes

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Inflorescence 1.5 to 3 inches long ~ Leaves short and narrow, branching on opposite sides of the stalk ~ Form dense mats on salt marsh ~ Male and female flowers are found on separate plants ~ Rhizomes creeping, scale covered rhizomes

GENERAL INFORMATION: Marsh Spike Grass is found on relatively high ground on the salt marsh in regions that are flooded at times of  full and new moon tides and storm tides. Like other plants found on the tidal marsh, Marsh Spike Grass has salt glands on the leaf through which it excretes excess salt. The rhizomes stabilize the salt marsh and the fruit is eaten by small birds.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.