Sporobolus airoides, commonly known as Alkali Sacaton or Alkali Dropseed, is a perennial grass native to arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, from southern Canada to the United States. It thrives in saline and alkaline soils, often found in areas such as salt flats, meadows, and the margins of playas and evaporating streams. This species typically reaches up to 3 feet in height and forms dense clumps with slender, ridged leaves. The inflorescence is a narrow, dense spike that can extend up to 10 inches long, with a flowering season that spans late spring through early fall. The flowers are not particularly showy but are valued for their texture and movement in the landscape.

Alkali Sacaton is appreciated for its adaptability to harsh soil conditions and its use in restoration projects, erosion control, and as a forage grass. It is also used in ornamental plantings for its fine-textured foliage and the subtle beauty of its seed heads. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, tolerating drought and poor soils, though it performs best with full sun exposure and good drainage. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, making it a hardy choice for challenging sites.CC BY-SA 4.0