Seagrasses

Phyllospadix scouleri W.J. Hooker
Phylum Anthophyta, Class Monocotyledonae, Order Alismatales, Family Zosteraceae

Surf grass. Blades >1 m long, 2-3 mm wide.

Abundant, low intertidal zone to subtidal exposed & protected outer coast with wave action; upper limit on shore is a good indicator of ~0 tide level in southern Monterey Bay.

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Synonyms:
Similar species: Zostera marina has broader leaves and occurs in more wave-protected locations.

Zostera marina Linnaeus
Phylum Anthophyta, Class Monocotyledonae, Order Alismatales, Family Zosteraceae

Eel grass. Blades >1 m long; 5-6 mm wide.

Abundant, very low intertidal; mostly subtidal in sheltered sites.

Geogr. Range:
Synonyms:
Similar species: Phyllospadix has narrow blades and occurs in wave-exposed locations.