Alkali Sacaton

Scientific name:  Sporobolu airoides (Torr.) Torr.  

Description: Alkali Sacaton is a tough native perennial grass that is highly tolerant to drought, alkali, and saline soils.  It occurs in all the western states and isolated areas in the eastern part of the U.S. Although it is very alkaline and saline tolerant it also does very well in fertile soils.  The seed is very small and must be planted shallow to acquire a good stand.  Frequent irrigation is required for adequate germination, however once established it can thrive in environments with less than 15 inches annual rainfall. Alkali Sacaton is generally found growing in alkaline flats, prairies, and sandy plateaus.  Mature plants reach 24 to 42 inches in height and when mature have red-colored seedheads.

 Taxonomy of Alkali Sacaton

 Plant Characteristics of Alkali Sacaton  

Uses of Alkali Sacaton

Soil Conservation:  Due to its stress tolerance to heat and poor soils, Alkali Sacaton is an important grass for soil stabilization in tough environments where other grasses typically fail. 

Livestock: Alkali Sacaton’s abundant forage is eaten by most my classes of livestock.  

Wildlife:  Alkali Sacaton provides cover and seeds to some wildlife but it is not considered important to wildlife.  

Landscape:  Alkali Sacaton makes an excellent accent plant although it can be invasive in garden settings when mature seed is allowed to shatter to the groundsoil stabilization in tough environments where other grasses typically fail.    

Commercially Available Cultivars

‘Saltalk’  ( released in 1981 by the Soil Conservation Service, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, and Agricultural Research Service)