Invasive and native tall forms of Spartina alterniflora respond differently to nitrogen availability

► Examined the differences in species-level phenotypic plasticity between invasive and native tall form Spartina alterniflora responding to nitrogen availability. ► Examined the differences in functional traits of plant between invasive and native tall form Spartina alterniflora. ► Evidenced that the tall form Spartina alterniflora has undergone evolutionary shifts following its introduction to China, and supported the genetic shift hypothesis.