Description:
Saltmeadow cordgrass is an erect, rhizomatous grass, 1 to 4 feet tall. The hairless leaf blades are 4 to 19 1⁄2 inches long and 1/3 to 11⁄2 inches wide at the base. When fresh, leaf blades are generally inrolled and have ridges on the upper surface. The ligules consist of a fringe of hairs, 0.02 inches long. Flowers occur in two to several spikes that are appressed to somewhat spreading (Hitchcock 1971). The plant forms dense, single species stands (Pfauth and Sytsma 1998).

• Mechanical: Seedlings can be pulled out effectively. Care must be taken to remove both shoots and roots.
• Biological: Several insects feed on S. patens in its native range. However, at present, the distribution of S. patens in Washington is too small to require the use of classical biological control. A leafhopper, Prokelisia marginata (Homoptera), is currently being studied as a biocontrol agent for Spartina alterniflora. This species does not feed on S. patens (D. Strong, pers. comm.)
• Herbicide: Rodeo™ (glyphosate) is the only herbicide presently labeled for use on Spartina in Washington. Efficacy studies with Rodeo™ have been conducted with S. alterniflora rather than S. patens. Reports of control with Rodeo™ are varied, ranging from 100% (Crockett 1991) to 0% (Balthuis and Scott 1993). Differences in reported control results may be due to the use of different surfactants. S. alterniflora leaves have high levels of salt and sediment, which may prevent glyphosate absorption. Finding an adjuvant that overcomes the effects of these antagonistic ions is likely to increase Rodeo™ absorption (Norman and Patten 1994c). Additional research is needed on this front.Refer to the State Noxious Weed Control Board site

For More Information:
Detailed information about Saltmeadow Cordgrass is available at the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Web Site.