Widgeon Grass

Ruppia maritima

Widgeon Grass

Status

Physical 

 Widgeon Grass has more delicate, narrow branches than those of Eel Grass.  Its leaves are narrow, needle-like, and grow from a slender stem.  These leaves are approximately 2 inches long.  The flowers and small fruit grow in clusters of 2-4.

Habitat

Widgeon Grass is a perennial plant found in the northern areas of Barnegat Bay as well as along the east coast to Texas.  It is usually in shallow areas with brackish waters where it can extend its flowers above the surface of the water.  Widgeon Grass can tolerate various salinities, prefering sandy bottoms, but can grow in muddy/silty bottoms.

Feeding 

Widgeon Grass is a favorite food source of ducks and many species of shore birds.  The presence of Widgeon Grass is an indicator of other species that can be found in the area.

Widgeon Grass
Image by Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart on Wikimedia