Photo: Triglochin gaspensis

Triglochin gaspensis Lieth & D. Löve

Gaspé Arrow-grass

Habitat: Upper inner tidal zones of saltmarshes [Tidal wetland (non-forested, wetland)]

Range: Newfoundland south to Prince Edward Island, west to Maine, north to Quebec.

Photo: Triglochin gaspensis

Aids to Identification: Gaspé arrow-grass is a grassy looking, lawn forming plant found in tidal saltmarshes. Flowers are borne on a leafless stalk (scape) in a spike-like raceme. The base of the scape is often purple. Gaspé arrow-grass differs from other arrow-grasses in Maine by forming lawn-like patches (as opposed to clump forming) and the leaves are as long as or longer than the scape. Triglochin maritima (saltmarsh arrow-grass) differs from T. gaspensis in that the scape is taller than the leaves.

Ecological characteristics: A very rare plant found only in a few saltmarshes of downeast coastal Maine.

Phenology: Flowering July through August.

Photo: Triglochin gaspensis

Family: Juncaginaceae

Synonyms: None noted.

Known Distribution in Maine: This rare plant has been documented from a total of 8 towns in the following county: Washington.

Reason(s) for rarity: Range is restricted and habitat is scarce.

Conservation considerations: Hydrologic alterations of saltmarshes could pose a threat to populations.