Saltgrass

(Distichlis spicata)

Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Distichlis spicata, commonly known as Saltgrass, is an evergreen perennial grass native to saline and alkaline soils in coastal marshes, inland salt flats, and desert playas across North America, including Alaska, as well as parts of South America and Central America. It typically forms dense tufts or mats and can reach up to half a meter in height but is often shorter. The plant’s robust rhizomes and sometimes stolons allow it to spread effectively, stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. Saltgrass is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The female inflorescences bear green or purple-tinted spikelets, while the male flowers are thinner, larger, and denser, with both sexes potentially exhibiting bright pinkish-purple flower parts.

Saltgrass is valued for its ability to remain green during droughts when other grasses dry out, and its resistance to grazing and trampling makes it an excellent choice for erosion control in challenging environments. It is often used in restoration projects, as well as for low-maintenance landscaping in areas with poor soil quality. This grass thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with slow drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, its vigorous growth can sometimes lead to it being considered invasive in non-native areas, so care should be taken when planting it outside its natural range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.2-0.3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to saline and alkaline soils in coastal marshes, inland salt flats, and desert playas

Other Names

Common Names: Salt Grass , Alkali Saltgrass , Alkaline Grass , Coastal Saltgrass , Inland Saltgrass , Seashore Saltgrass , Distichlis Dressé , Desert Saltgrass , Marsh Spikegrass

Scientific Names: Distichlis spicata , Distichlis stricta , Distichlis spicata subsp. spicata , Distichlis spicata var. stricta , Distichlis spicata subsp. stricta , Distichlis spicata var. spicata , Distichlis spicata var. stolonifera , Distichlis spicata var. mendocina , Distichlis maritima , Distichlis spicata var. divaricata

GBIF Accepted Name: Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene