Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) is the Jekyll and Hyde of North American aquatic plants. On its native east coast, it is just another helpful plant. It prevents salt marshes from being eroded, snow geese love to nibble at its roots, crabs and fish feast on the detritus it produces, and in Virginia and several other states it helps to define the high-water mark. If this “spartina line” moves, it will affect the amount of salt marsh owned by the state, and a person can have their property reassessed and their taxes raised or lowered.
The contrast with the spartina in…
