Names
Scientific Name: Sporobolus airoides
Synonym:
Common Names: Alkali sacaton, finetop saltgrass, bunchgrass
Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Grass
Arizona Native Status: Native
Habitat: Often in saline soil, 1,000 to 5,500 feet
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: June to October
Height: 2 to 5 feet
Description: Alkali sacaton is a bunchgrass with flat leaves that taper from the base. The leaves are from 1/16 to ΒΌ inch wide. The seedhead is open and loose with small seed resting singly on branches. This grass is intolerant of shade, but can withstand both drought and flooding once established.
Special Characteristics
Alkali sacaton is a very important foodsource across the American west. Mammals large and small as well as birds depend upon for nutrients. It is especially favored by jackrabbits. Because it is tolerant of salty soils, Alkali sacaton is planted in disturbed ground and is recommended for restabilizing former oil wells and power generating sites.
Classification
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
SOURCES:
Kearney, T. H. and R. H. Peebles. 1960. Arizona Flora. Los Angeles: University of California Press.
Brakie, Melinda. USDA NRCS East Texas Plant Materials Center. USDA Plant Fact Sheet, Alkali Sacaton: plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_spai.pdf
