Leaf fall provides food for countless organisms ranging from bacteria to large fish. Many of the mangrove swamps are owned by the government and are well protected. Freshwater Marshes Unlike coastal marshes, these wetlands rely on fresh water. The plants here are usually wetland grasses, rushes or sedges. You will also find green, non-woody shrubs growing in communities.
Few trees grow in marsh conditions.
Different locations may have marshes dominated by sawgrass, cattails, spike rush, bulrush, and maidencane. The soil in these wetlands is saturated during at least one month per year during the growing season. Grasses, rush and sedge grow in wet prairies. Fire and flooding squeeze out the plants and trees that don't belong in these areas. Drainage for agriculture is the main reason for marsh losses.