- Description:
Erect stems arise from tough, 1/8-inch thick spreading rhizomes that bind the soil. Leaf
blades are flat and rough along the edges. Flower and seed heads have several 1½-4
inch-long branches arranged alternately in two rows parallel to the central spike.
- Comments:
In saturated soils, cordgrass grows in nearly pure stands. Because it forms dense colonies
of tall vegetation, it is an important source of protective cover and nesting habitat for
many wetland birds and other wildlife. Cordgrass prairie once covered thousands of acres
along river lowlands and was cut for hay. Most cordgrass meadows have been plowed to grow
annual crops. Prairie Cordgrass was used as roof thatch for Indian lodges and pioneer sod
homes. It grows statewide in wet, clay soil.
|
