[2] It was reclassified as Sporobolus anglicus after a taxonomic revision in 2014,[3] but Spartina anglica is still in common usage.

[2][4] It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing 0.4–1.3 metres (1–4 ft) tall, yellowish green in spring and summer, and turning light brown in autumn and winter.

As a result, it was widely planted at coastal sites throughout the British Isles, and has colonised large areas of tidal mudflats, becoming an invasive species.

New colonies may take some time to become established, but once they do, vegetative spread by rhizomes is rapid, smothering natural ecosystems and preventing birds such as waders from feeding.

[citation needed] It has also been introduced to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and North America, where it has proved to be a serious invasive species causing extensive damage to natural saltmarsh ecosystems in all areas.