Distichlis spicata > Habitat and Distribution

Distichlis spicata

Distribution of major stands of Distichlis spicata at Hopkins, March 2003
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The map above indicates the major stands of Distichlis spicata identified by the author at Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA in March of 2003. These sites are referred to by letter in the discussion of salinity and morphology observations taken at the station. Sites A, D, and G (located on sandy beaches close to the water) were found to exhibit dwarfed growth when compared with stands C and E. General characteristics of each site are described below:

A:	moderately sloped sandy beach facing roughly north-west, Distichlis stand fairly sparse, no other plants in area	[photograph not possible due to resting behavior of large population of harbor seals on this beach]
B:	grassy field between walking paths, no obvious landscaping, discontinuous plant cover, some other species of grasses present
C:	landscaped, mulch covered plot in partial shade of cypress tree, irrigation systems not obvious but may be present
D:	sandy shore, fairly flat, very thick stand of Distichlis, located directly underneath outfall of intermittent drainage pipe
E:	large field including several species of grasses, Distichlis found in very straight, thin lines (likely following underground rhizome growth)
F:	coarse, rocky soil containing a number of large rusting metal and wood beams, Distichlis patches notably without much green growth
G:	sandy substratum hosting very dense patch of Distichlis, elevation above sea level almost zero
H:	low density patch of Distichlis with other scrub and grass on an approximately six foot cliff overlooking water

Last updated March 2003, Justin Kitzes.