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Dwarf eelgrass (Zostera japonica)
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Dwarf eelgrass (Zostera japonica) is an exotic species to the western U.S. coast, introduced from Asia.
Courtesy: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |
What type of habitat does dwarf eelgrass prefer?
Dwarf eelgrass is commonly found growing on sheltered tidal flats, but can
also be found in brackish (estuarine) coastal lagoons.
Where can it be found in the coastal U.S.?
Dwarf eelgrass is native to Eastern Asian waters, but thrives in the Pacific Northwest.
What does dwarf eelgrass look like?
Leaves of dwarf eelgrass are usually long and narrow looking; however,
the sizes vary greatly and they may be 3 to 30 cm long and up to 1.5 mm wide.
When this species grows on tidal flats, the leaves are short and narrow, but
when growing completely submerged in lagoons, the leaves are longer and wider.
Why is it an important benthic species?
Dwarf eelgrass is important in the Pacific Northwest because it is a naturalized species
that may compete with native eelgrass (Zostera marina) for habitat in shallow
waters. It grows faster and colonizes on previously bare substrates, which
may change the local ecology.
Did you know…?
Dwarf eelgrass was probably introduced to the Pacific Northwest through the oyster trade.
Oysters in Eastern Asia were often packed in marsh vegetation before being
shipped across the Pacific to the United States.
Where can I find more information?
Reference
Meñez, E.G., and R.C. Phillips. 1998. Seagrasses. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington,
D.C.
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