VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Cladium jamaicense | Sawgrass 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Sawgrass leaves are practically worthless as forage and are generally
avoided by livestock, wild ungulates, and small mammals [9,24].  The
starchy underground organs are consumed occasionally by muskrat [25],
and frequently by nutria [20].

The seeds are eaten by ducks and shorebirds but generally in small to
moderate quantities [4,19,28].  After a few years without burning,
sawgrass stands become very dense and accumulate much standing dead
material.  This dense cover prevents waterfowl from foraging for the
seeds.  Burning opens the stands, making foraging for seeds much easier
[23,27].


PALATABILITY : 
Sawgrass's palatability to livestock is low [9,24].  


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Sawgrass provides good hiding cover for ducks, muskrat, racoon, mink,
and otter [17].  In Louisiana, dense sawgrass stands support high
densities of mink because they provide excellent cover, elevation above
the water, and prey [2].  In the Everglades, round-tailed muskrats use
sawgrass stands for nesting only when the stands are bordered by other
communities which contain preferred foods [25].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Sawgrass is susceptible to changes in salinity and hydroperiod [see
Successional Status].  

Related categories for Species: Cladium jamaicense | Sawgrass