Alkali Sacaton

(Sporobolus airoides)

Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sporobolus airoides, commonly known as Alkali Sacaton, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to arid and semi-arid regions, including prairies, plains, and valleys in the Western United States, Midwest, and parts of Canada and Mexico. It is well-adapted to alkaline soils, often found in saline and sodic flats, and is a key species in these challenging environments. This bunchgrass forms robust clumps of stems that can reach up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall, with stem bases that are thick, tough, and almost woody in texture. The fibrous leaves, green or gray-green, can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) long. During the summer and fall, it produces airy panicles of flowers that can display a range of cream, yellow, silver, and pink hues, adding a subtle beauty to the landscape.

Alkali Sacaton is valued for its hardiness and is often used in habitat restoration and revegetation projects, particularly in disturbed habitats and riparian zones in the Southwest United States, including California and the Intermountain West. Once established, it provides dense ground cover and erosion control. It is also used for forage in rangeland management. This grass thrives in full sun and requires minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, preferring those with medium to fast drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to arid and semi-arid regions, including prairies, plains, saline and sodic flats, and valleys in the Western United States, Midwest, and parts of Canada and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Hairgrass Dropseed, Alkali Dropseed, Sporobole Fausse-Canche

Scientific Names: , Sporobolus airoides, Sporobolus airoides var. airoides, Sporobolus tharpii, Agrostis airoides, Sporobolus diffusissimus, Sporobolus regis, Sporobolus airoides subsp. regis, Vilfa airoides,

GBIF Accepted Name: Sporobolus airoides (Torr.) Torr.