1. Saltgrass – Distichlis spicata
(dis-TICK-liss spee-COT (KATE)-uh)
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Native to: Coastal & interior U.S., including much of coastal CA; coastal marshes, vernal pools, moist
alkaline areas.
Growth characteristics: Sod-forming, cool season grass
mature height: 4-16 in. mature width: variable.
Space plugs/plants/rhizomes 1-3 ft. apart. Blades stiff, blue-green. Stems flat or rising at tips. Looks
like Bermuda grass, particularly when mowed.
Blooms/fruits: spring; flowers are fairly inconspicuous. Male/female flowers borne on separate plants.
Uses in the garden: lawn substitute. Vary hardy – even with rough use. Tolerates wind, salt, alkali
soils, summer drought. Good for wind- and water-erosion.
Used on golf courses with salty soils.
Sensible substitute for: Bermuda grass and other similar sod-forming grasses.
Attracts: Host plant for Wandering Skipper, other insects & birds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Tolerates clay, sand
Tolerates summer drought or watering
None needed
Easy to grow. Can be mowed occasionally (high) during growing season. Looks
interesting if left un-owed – and has better habitat value. Becomes dormant (light brown) with no
summer water. May need to de-thatch.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: low seed germination
from rhizomes: easy. Plant 6” rhizomes 1-2 inches
deep in place or pots when day temperatures between 75-85 degrees F. Be sure to keep soil moist
during establishment phase (1-3 months). Usually sprout and spread quickly.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 3, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 24
11/27/10
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