Inland Saltgrass
Distichlis spicata · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Wetland/Riparian Grass, Native Prairie Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Native Ecotype (Non-cultivated common type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-11. Extremely heat tolerant; goes dormant and turns straw-colored in winter (cold hardy).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dioecious perennial. It exhibits a stiff, upright growth habit often forming dense, grey-green patches. When unmowed, it reaches 6–18 inches. In high-traffic areas like the one pictured, it appears as sparse, stiff wiry stems poking through dust or salt crusts. Inflorescences are small, dense panicles.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are narrow (1-3mm), stiff, and distinctly distichous (arranged in two vertical rows). They are typically grey-green to blue-green, sharp-pointed, and rolled or folded in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a short fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and aggressive rhizomatous system with scaly white rhizomes. Low thatch tendency but high sod-forming potential in moist conditions. Excellent for soil stabilization and slow to establish from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North and South America, particularly common in western North American alkaline/saline soils.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (spreading via aggressive underground stems) and mat-forming.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (intolerant of shade); moderate water needs but possesses extreme drought tolerance once established. Prefers alkaline or saline soils with high pH.
Mowing & Maintenance
Low maintenance. Can be mown to 1.5-2 inches but naturally stays short. Fertilization is rarely needed for native stands. High salt tolerance allows it to thrive where other grasses fail.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional salt and alkali tolerance. High wear tolerance once established as a sod. Effective at crowding out weeds in saline environments. Often used in remediation of disturbed salt-affected soils.
Ecological Information
Native to the Americas. Provides essential nesting habitat for shorebirds and cover for small mammals in riparian zones. Larval host for several species of skipper butterflies. Highly effective for hillside erosion control and wetland filtration.