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Triglochin gaspensis Lieth & D. Löve
Gaspé Arrow-grass
- State Rank: S2
- Global Rank: g4G5
- State Status: Special Concern
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.
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.
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.