WETLANDS
Tidal wetland habitats occur in low-lying areas along the coast where plants can tolerate
periodic soil saturation. The twice-daily tides allow soil to drain and become aerated for a period
of time. The low salt marsh community lies in a zone from mean sea level up to mean high tide
tolerating the saline waters. The high salt marsh community lies in a zone from mean high tide
up to the limit of spring tides tolerating brackish waters. Only about 4,000 acres of salt marsh
still exist around New York City. By 1950, over 20,000 acres were destroyed after wetlands
were filled with trash and construction debris (Luttenberg et al 1993).
LOW SALT MARSH
A tidal marsh zone characterized by daily flooding. The term “low” refers to the elevation of the
land which occurs between the mean sea level and mean high tide.
Examples Include: Pelham Bay Park (BX), Marine Park (BK), Four Sparrow Marsh, (BK), Inwood
Hill Park (MN), Alley Pond Park (QU), Sawmill Creek (SI).
Recommended Plants:
Graminoids
Spartina alternifolia Smooth cordgrass
HIGH SALT MARSH
The transition from the low marsh to the high marsh occurs approximately at the mean high
water mark. The high marsh will only being flooded during spring tides or storm surges.Graminoids
Bolboschoenusrobustus Salt marsh bulrush
Distichlis spicata Salt grass
Juncus gerardii Black grass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Schoenoplectus pungens Common threesquare
Spartina cynorsuroides Big cordgrass
Spartina patens Salt-meadow cordgrass
Forbs
Hibiscus moscheutos Rose mallow
Limonium carolinianum Sea lavender
Salicornia depressa Virginia glasswort
Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod
Suaeda linearis Tall sea blite
Suaeda maritima Sea blite
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii New York aster
Symphyotrichum tenuifolium Salt marsh aster