The non-native species S. alterniflora was introduced to China in 1979, profoundly impacting coastal wetland ecosystems. Owing to its strong adaptability and dual ecological effects, perceptions of S. alterniflora have undergone historical evolution. Our research provided an in-depth review of its ecological effects of S. alterniflora in coastal wetland system, and delineated the cognitive evolution about its invasive history over the past 40 years. Additionally, it synthesized the current state and dilemmas of S. alterniflora management, and proposed governance strategies and recommendations from policy, management, and engineering perspectives. The results showed that: (1) The ecological effects of S. alterniflora delineated both its beneficial roles — such as shoreline protection, accretion promotion, wind/wave attenuation, carbon sequestration — and its adverse effects on biodiversity and ecological security. (2) Reflecting its introduction history and research conducted across different periods, the cognition towards S. alterniflora has undergone three distinct evolutionary phases: an initial comprehensive exploration of its ecological and economic value (1979—2003), a phase of cognitive differentiation regarding its positive and negative ecological effects (2003—2018), and a recent phase of cognitive realignment under the paradigms of coastal wetland conservation and biosecurity (2018—present). (3) Considering the dual ecological effects, overall volume and the inherent challenges in managing S. alterniflora, it is recommended that a multidisciplinary, multifaceted approach guided by natural laws and the philosophy of ecological civilization was adopted, emphasizing site-specific and zonal management strategies. The results aim to inform research, prevention, and management strategies for S. alterniflora in China, with the objective of achieving an integrative development goal that harmonizes environmental, societal, and economic benefits, thereby fostering a harmoniously ecological relationship of land-sea coordination.