Lower Tidal Zone

Spartina foliosa

Cordgrass

Spartina foliosa is the dominant species of the lower tidal zone, which is the interface between the mudflats and the main portion of the tidal salt marsh. Spartina creates large monotypic stands.

Main Tidal Zone

Salicornia virginica

Pickleweed

Cuscuta salina

Dodder

Salicornia virginica is the dominant species of the tidal salt marsh, creating extensive monotypic stands. Dodder is a parasitic plant which atttaches itself to the pickleweed.
In some situations, Salicornia is found on elevated, non-tidal sites near the tidal salt marshes.

Main and Upper Tidal Zone

Jaumea carnosa

Jaumea

Limonium californicum

Marsh rosemary

Triglochin maritima

Arrowgrass

These species are primarily found near the high tide line, but are not strictly limited to it. They are sometimes found on slightly raised ground above the tide, and are also found in raised areas within the tidal zone, intermixed with the pickleweed.

Upper Tidal Zone

Atriplex patula

Fat hen

Distichlis spicata

Saltgrass

Frankenia salina

Alkali heath

Grindelia humilis

Gumplant

Grindelia stricta angustifolia

Marsh gumplant

Heliotropum curassavicum

Heliotrope

Spergularia marina

Sand spurrey

These species are found at the high tide line and slightly above. Distichlis is characteristic of hypersaline soils above the high tide.