Inland Saltgrass

Inland Saltgrass (Disticlis spicata)

Also known scientifically as Disticlis spicata and commonly as Alkalai Saltgrass. Inland Saltgrass (Disticlis spicata) is a highly rhizominous grass, producing long, hairy, sharp pointed, coarse, shoots. It grows from the low valley bottoms to the middle sagebrush grass zone. It is most common in wetlands associated with broad, flat valleys and basins, in swales, on the margisn of ponds, lakes and reservoirs, and in seepage areas. The elevation range is between 2500 and 6000 feet, and rainfall from 8 to 14 inches. It is quite resistant to fire and trampling.

Inland Saltgrass has several interesting adaptations to its habitat. Salt glands on the leaves extrude salt, allowing the plants to utilize salty water. It can survive flooding and heavy saturated soils if the leaves are exposed to air, allowing air to be moved from the leaves to the roots through a series of interconnected passages. The sharp-pointed scaly rhizomes effectively push through heavy clay soils, allowing saltgrass to colonize areas less favorable for seedling establishment. It occupies primarily extremely salty and alkaline soils that are poorly drained and have a high water table. It is commonly associated with Alkali Sacaton and Greasewood.

Saltgrass is of low palatability for livestock and big game, receiving use only after other forages have cured in the late summer. Saltgrass can provide important benefits in livestock management. It is one of the most resistant grasses to trampling and grazing, providing soil stabilization in areas of trailing and water developments. Small mammals and birds use saltgrass for cover, nesting, as well as eating the rootstocks and seeds.

It is very tenacious as a soil erosion control plant, but is usually not found where erosion is a problem. It also has some value in slowing the overland flow of water and reducing the salinization of fresh water streams.

Native Americans in Nevada and Utah used saltgrass as a cereal crop. Also known as Alkali Saltgrass.

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