Habitat:Salt marshes, wet prairies, banks of estuaries, near salt water, native to the Gulf States.

A non-rhizomatous base, sharp leaf blades to reduce transpiration, and a tolerance for salinity up to 18 ppt. (USDA http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_spsp.pdf) make Spartina well adapt for colonizing sandy, moist coastal soils.

Spartina is not recognized as threatened or endangered. but valued in coastal restoration projects for its ability to stabilize dunes.

Spartina populations are threatened by habitat loss due to development and increased foot/vehicle traffic.

There are no policies to ensure protection of populations in place, but Sparina's value in costal restoration projects for its ability to stabilize dunes is recognized. Beach front property owners are encouraged to plant spartina as part of a natural seawall.