Publication: Rep. Bot. Exch. Club 1880: 37. 1881.

Origin: Introduced from Europe

Herbarium search: CPNWH

Notes: Sterile hybrid often confused with Spartina anglica, reported in H&C from Stanwood, Snohomish Co.

FNA25: "Spartina ×townsendii is a sterile hybrid between the European S. maritima and the American S. alterniflora. It seems to have formed spontaneously at several locations in Europe, often taking over the areas formerly occupied by its progenitors. At some locations it has given rise to the fertile amphiploid S. anglica, from which it differs morphologically in its narrower, less divergent upper blades, shorter ligules, shorter, less hairy spikelets, and poorly filled, indehiscent anthers. Spartina ×townsendii has been used throughout the world for tideland reclamation because it is easy to establish, but it displaces native species."

Last updated 1/6/2024 by David Giblin.