Pluff Mud

South Carolina has something that no one else on earth has – pluff mud. What exactly is pluff mud? It’s an ooey-gooey, dark to light brown, soft mud that sometimes has the appearance and consistency of clay. It smells bad, too, although some South Carolinians call it the smell of home.

Pluff mud is created by decomposing animals and plants (primarily spartina grass), algae and sediment lining the bottom of the salt marshes. While this sounds disgusting it provides the nutrients necessary for a healthy salt marsh and South Carolina is home to more marshland than any other state along the East Coast.

The salt marsh is comprised of a complex ecosystem, reliant on a variety of habitats and zones. Pluff mud is usually found in low marshy areas and tidal creeks zones. While the salt marsh is a harsh, low-oxygen environment where few creatures survive, oysters, shrimp, clams, fish, fiddler crabs and blue crabs are a few of the species that actually rely on the salt marsh for survival. A variety of birds and animals use the marsh as a food source, forming a flourishing ecosystem.

Pluff mud also assists in the control of coastal flooding because of its sponge-like capacity to absorb storm water. The roots of marsh grasses growing in the pluff mud aid in protecting the shoreline, inhibiting soil erosion.

While pluff mud is a superhero for the salt marsh environment, it can pose a risk to the unsuspecting human. The mud conceals sharp oyster shells lying beneath the surface and with the consistency of quicksand, a foot or leg can quickly get stuck.

Be mindful when walking along marsh grasses or edges of the shoreline. Avoiding these areas is the best practice for staying safe.

Looking for a home with a breathtaking marsh view? Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hilton Head Bluffton Realty can help. Contact us today!