Spartina alterniflora is a smooth cordgrass that is commonly found in marshes. Its two forms (tall and short) naturally exist along the Atlantic coast of North and South America (Adam 1990; Bertness 1985). The grass has stiff stems with long and narrow leaves. The flowering portion of the plant is spike-like and can be up to 30 cm long (Wan 2009). It inhabits salt marsh habitats which are known for their anoxic, nutrient limited, and high salinity conditions (Adam 1993).