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<p><i>Spartina alterniflora</i> is a vital saltmarsh species often found in two distinct forms: a tall-form ( ~ &gt; 1&#xa0;m tall) that grows along the water’s edge and a short-form ( ~ &lt; 0.5&#xa0;m) found further inland. Various environmental factors have been suggested to impact the growth of both forms; however, more research is needed on the role of individual factors. Therefore, this study examined the influence of high tide frequency on <i>S. alterniflora</i> growth and health. Short- and tall-form were grown from seed in a greenhouse then moved into microcosm systems where they were monitored for ~ 3 months under two tidal regimes. Half of the systems experienced two high tides each day simulating the tall-form marsh area, whereas the other systems only had two high tides each Wednesday representing a higher elevation area with short-form. By the study’s conclusion, both tidal regime and plant-form had influenced <i>S. alterniflora</i> growth. For example, short-form plants averaged 10.03 stems/pot which was greater than tall-form at 8.06 stems/pot. For tidal effects, plants exposed to more frequent high tides grew taller with an average height of 26.36&#xa0;cm compared to 20.72&#xa0;cm, but had decreased stem density (7.50 stems/pot compared to 10.59 stems/pot). Interactions between form and tidal regime were also found with exposure to less frequent high tides leading to an increase in belowground biomass for short-form (0.15 to 0.31&#xa0;g/stem) but not tall (0.14 to 0.18&#xa0;g/stem). These results provide additional information on growth of both forms in different environments which could help guide marsh restoration efforts.</p>

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Growth and Survival of Short- and Tall-Form S. alterniflora (Saltmarsh Cordgrass) Under Two Tidal Conditions: Implications for Marsh Restoration

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月25日

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  • Raven E. Ferguson,
  • Paul L. Pennington

摘要

Spartina alterniflora is a vital saltmarsh species often found in two distinct forms: a tall-form ( ~ > 1 m tall) that grows along the water’s edge and a short-form ( ~ < 0.5 m) found further inland. Various environmental factors have been suggested to impact the growth of both forms; however, more research is needed on the role of individual factors. Therefore, this study examined the influence of high tide frequency on S. alterniflora growth and health. Short- and tall-form were grown from seed in a greenhouse then moved into microcosm systems where they were monitored for ~ 3 months under two tidal regimes. Half of the systems experienced two high tides each day simulating the tall-form marsh area, whereas the other systems only had two high tides each Wednesday representing a higher elevation area with short-form. By the study’s conclusion, both tidal regime and plant-form had influenced S. alterniflora growth. For example, short-form plants averaged 10.03 stems/pot which was greater than tall-form at 8.06 stems/pot. For tidal effects, plants exposed to more frequent high tides grew taller with an average height of 26.36 cm compared to 20.72 cm, but had decreased stem density (7.50 stems/pot compared to 10.59 stems/pot). Interactions between form and tidal regime were also found with exposure to less frequent high tides leading to an increase in belowground biomass for short-form (0.15 to 0.31 g/stem) but not tall (0.14 to 0.18 g/stem). These results provide additional information on growth of both forms in different environments which could help guide marsh restoration efforts.