Inland Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) - Note: The provided image is dominated by white clover (Trifolium repens), not a grass, but shows sparse saltgrass-like blades.
Distichlis spicata · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Wetland/Riparian Grass, Invasive/Weed Grass in lawns, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Native ecotype (no specific cultivar visible)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-11. Extremely cold and heat hardy; enters dormant brown state in winter.
About This Grass
Stiff, coarse, gray-green grass that forms low-growing patches. Often found as a weed in compacted or wet lawn areas. Seed heads are small, dioecious (male and female on separate plants) spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Narrow to medium (2-4mm), stiff and sharp-pointed (tapering to a point). Gray-green or dull green color. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is short and hairy; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, scaly rhizomes that are very tough. High thatch-forming tendency. Very slow to establish from seed but spreads fast once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Americas; thrives in coastal marshes and saline inland soils.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading aggressively underground), forming dense, tough mats.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun. High tolerance for waterlogged soils and extreme salinity. Drought tolerant once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.5 to 2.5 inches. Low maintenance, though difficult to mow due to stiff leaf blades. Rarely needs nitrogen fertilization in native settings.
Special Characteristics
Excellent salt tolerance, high wear tolerance, thrives in poor alkaline soils where other grasses die.
Ecological Information
Native to North America. Vital for soil stabilization in wetlands. Provides cover for small mammals and coastal birds; larval host for some skipper butterflies.