Species	Distribution
Common cord-grass (Spartina anglica) Photo ©J R Crellin 2006	To view NBN location data click here
Impacts	Pathways
It is a perennial salt marsh grass which has been planted widely to stabilise tidal mud flats. Its invasion and spreadcreates monospecific stands in the upper intertidal areas often occupied by Zostera. This is can reduce feeding areas for bird species such as Brent geese that depend on this habitat for food.	Planted for dune stabilisation Natural dispersal by seed and expansion through the rhizomes. Seeds can remain dormant for several years.
Management
Prevention Plants should not be used unnecessarily for land reclamation projects. In some world regions S. anglica is prohibited for sale or distribution. Physical Control Smothering with plastic has resulted in success over small areas, and removal by digging out plants at an early stage has also been successful. Attempts to control it by using as a fodder for cattle have failed. Chemical Control Chemical herbicides applied to large areas have been more successful with two time-separated applications. Biological Control Biological control using a planthopper Prokelisia marginata is being implemented on the Pacific coast of North America for the parental species S. alternifolia.
Links
Non Native Species Secretariat identification guide Non Native Species Secretariat Fact Sheet Daisie Species Fact Sheets Global Invasive Species Database