The rich biological diversity of the Chesapeake Bay watershed extends to its plant life. At least 50 tree species and more than 2,700 other plant species live in the Bay watershed. The Bay’s forested wetlands and swamps; its freshwater, brackish and salt marshes; and its beaches and tidal flats all provide habitat to varied and beautiful communities of plants that have adapted to the watershed’s complex, shifting conditions.

Underwater grasses, or submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), constitute one of the most important plant communities in the Bay watershed. There are many species of Bay grasses, which thrive in waters of differing salinity. Pondweeds and wild celery grow in shallow freshwater, while widgeon grass and eelgrass prefer high-salinity waters. Underwater grasses are a food source for many animals and provide important habitat, shelter and nursery areas for juvenile fish, shellfish and invertebrates.

Bay wetlands also contain a vast range of plant life. The term "wetlands" collectively refers to the marshes, swamps and bogs that link the dry inland areas to the edges of the Bay and its rivers and streams. Estuarine wetlands are tidally flooded with salt or brackish water. Palustrine wetlands are freshwater areas that border rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Both are found in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, although estuarine wetlands are more common. Forested wetlands are habitat for many species of trees, shrubs and vines.

Plants that thrive in saltmarsh habitats include saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus). In the brackish waters of the Bay’s estuarine rivers, narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) thrives, along with big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Species common to freshwater marshes include great bulrush (Scirpus validus), American three-square (Scirpus pungens), wild rice (Zizania aquatica) and many species of sedges.

Forested wetlands and streams contain an abundance of plants that thrive beneath a canopy of trees. Individual species include red maple, ash, various species of oak, bald cypress and loblolly pine. Streamside forests help maintain clean water and keep water temperatures cool for spawning fish. All forested areas in the watershed provide essential habitat for many aquatic and land animals.

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For more information, contact the Chesapeake Bay Program Office:
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109, Annapolis, MD 21403 / Tel: (800) YOUR-BAY / Fax: (410) 267-5777.

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Last modified: 1/30/06