Alkali sacaton
Sporobolus airoides
Poaceae
Description
Coarse-stemmed bunchgrass that grows in tough clumps with no rhizomes. The long, slender blades are hairy at the throat. The panicle is pyramid shaped and loosely flowered. One-flowered spikelets are on short pedicels. Blades are involute. The plant has a bleached, large, woody base and large roots the size of a wooden pencil lead.
Fair grazing for livestock. Poor grazing for wildlife.
Alkali sacaton is a Perennial, warm-season, introduced - 6 to 24 inches tall.
Habitat
Grows in meadows and valleys and on dry, sandy or gravelly slopes, especially in alkaline and saline soils. A desirable grass to seed in salted-out sites.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairy
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
