Saltwort and glasswort are abundant across coastal prairies
Plants within the coastal prairie habitat are able to tolerate salt and extreme weather conditions. However, strong winds and harsh weather result in the felling of many trees. The dead trees are referred to as snags and quickly become home to a variety of epiphytes including orchids and air plants.
The majority of the coastal prairie is covered by saltwort (Batis maritima), perennial glasswort (Salicornia virginica), annual glasswort (Salicornia bigelovii), and small buttonwood trees. Saltwort is a pale green, low-growing succulent with curved leaves, while the glasswort has no leaves and is light green during the summer months and red throughout the autumn. These plants provide cover for the small animals that reside within this harsh habitat.
Other plants commonly associated with coastal prairies include:
