nrg-native-species-planting-guide-091714

(vip2019) #1

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

Free download pdf