NAME: PRAIRIE CORD GRASS     Spartina pectinata 
DESCRIPTION:
Leaf:    1cm or more in width and have a prominent midvein.  Leaves are up to 80 cm in length, light    green color, finely serrated at the margins, and tapered gradually thoughout their length.
Flower:  Early Fall flowering paniculate inflorescence which bear up to six or more short spikes, 6 cm  long.
Stem:  Up to 6 meters tall in tight formation.

DISCUSSION:
Growing in the wettest part of the prairie.  Can be used for erosion control because of its ability to grow near water and form thick mats.  The leaves must be handled with care or fingers or hands may be cut.

DISTRIBUTION:
Throughout the United States except for the extreme southwest and southeast.  It was abundant in the original wet prairie of Illinois.
 
 

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COPYRIGHT:

© Copyright 2002, L&T Natural Images and Madsion Jr. High, all rights reserved. Contact information: email at lcwik@naperville203.org or tcoutts@naperville203.org

REFERENCES:

Mohlenbroch, Robert H., and John W. Voigt.  Prairie Pants of Illinois.
Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 1985.

Young, Dick.  Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas.  2nd ed. Geneva, Il:
Kane County Illinois Forest Preserve District, 1994.

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