What unique feature does Smooth Cordgrass possess?

Smooth Cordgrass, or Spartina alterniflora, is known for its ability to hybridize with California cordgrass. This characteristic is significant due to the potential for hybrid vigor, which can result in a variety of traits that might benefit the plant's adaptability and resilience in coastal and estuarine environments. Hybridization can lead to genetic diversity, allowing the species to adapt better to changing environmental conditions, such as salinity levels and tidal fluctuations.

In contrast to smooth cordgrass's hybridization capability, the other options refer to features or characteristics that either do not apply to this specific species or are more relevant to different types of grasses. For instance, while some grasses may have deep taproots or produce purple flowers, smooth cordgrass is better recognized for its hybridization with California cordgrass as a defining trait, which can be critical for interactions in their ecosystem.