Ability to Respond Total:14 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Grows rapidly by natural spread, both by underground tiller growth and by seed dispersal.
4
Spread Amount
Hybrids are more vigorous and reproductively fit than either of the parents. S. alterniflora and in cases such as SF Bay - seem to be the primary colonizer.
4
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Threat to the survival of the native S. foliosa and threatened species, loss of species diversity, conversion of mudflat to meadow, can impact newly restored areas. Rated high in the Cal-IPC Inventory
5
Agricultural
Can threaten oyster growing operations.
1
Infrastructure
2
Cultural
Changes to landscape, bird and fish use diminished. Bird watching and fishing impacted.
2
Health
Creates mosquito breeding areas.
3
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
Very productive plant that can be a major source of carbon.
1
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
Can help to stabilize sediments in some locations.
1
Cultural
0
Health
0
Total
19
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
S. alterniflora- foliosa hybrids may be confused with the native S. foliosa and with brackish marsh plant Scirpus maritimus (alkalai bulrush) or Triglochin maritima (arrow grass).
3
Control
Requires dedicated funding and staff to perform eradication . May require various treatment methods (i.e digging and herbicide ) and may require follow-up treatment for multiple years.
1
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
Some barriers in place. Non-native Spartina is no longer used in restoration. In CA non-native spartina is currently under review for listing as noxious.
3
Control
Strong response from local, Federal and State agencies to fund eradication. Ongoing control efforts in California and Washington aimed at strategies that minimize export of seeds and vegetative propagules.
4
Outreach
Taxonomic refereces available via websites and literature, on-going workshops, ability to call in new reports of infestations. On Cal-IPC list.
