Salt Cordgrass
Spartina arterniflora

This pioneering grass is the dominant species of vegetation of the salt marsh. It has the ability to take in salt water through its root system and is capable of excreting the salt through a special opening on its leaves and stems. This grass has an extensive root system which locks the soil down in the salt marsh, slowing erosion. The grass is responsible for the huge amounts of organic matter in the marsh as its leaves and stems die at the end of fall. This is the start of a very intricate food system, feeding countless crabs in the process.