Pacific Cordgrass

California cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) is an important component of San Francisco Bay’s salt marsh ecosystem, providing habitat and protection to the endangered Ridgway's rail. This species of cordgrass also happens to be in a mutualistic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, effectively fertilizing the mud flats to facilitate growth for itself and other species in close proximity. Although California cordgrass is in good standing with its neighboring plants, the same cannot be said for its East Coast relative. The Atlantic cordgrass is an invasive species intentionally brought to the Bay with efforts to stabilize levees by industrial salt ponds, and has wreaked havoc on the natural composition of the Bay’s salt marshes ever since. Accidental hybridization between the Atlantic and California cordgrass has resulted in a new species that outcompetes any and all plants in proximity, especially California cordgrass and pickleweed. The hybrid looks incredibly similar to pure California cordgrass, making it difficult to completely eradicate this invasive species for no lack of trying.