Inland Saltgrass

$42.00
  • Grows from low valley bottoms to middle sagebrush zone
  • Most common in wetlands
  • Quite resistant to fire and trampling
  • Can utilize salty water
  • Provides soil stabilization in wet areas

Quantity is per pound. Example: 1 = 1 lb, 2 = 2 lbs, 3 = 3lbs, etc. This is pure seed, not a live plant.



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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.

***Click on the “Quick Plant Facts” tab above for more information.

SALTGRASS
(Disticlis spicata)

Saltgrass NRCS Plant Fact Sheet

PDF version of NRCS Plant Guide & Fact Sheet

Prepared By: William Skaradek USDA NRCS and
Christopher Miller, USDA NRCS Cape May Plant Materials Center
Species Coordinator: Christopher Miller

Download PDF

Helpful Links

Additional information about this product can be found on the academic websites linked below.

Synonyms

Many plants have more than one common and scientific name. We've listed a few of them below.

  • Inland Saltgrass
  • Distichlis spicata
  • Seashore Saltgrass

Who is Great Basin Seed?

Great Basin Seed is a seed company that specializes in seed sales and consultation for home, ranch, farm, range and reclamation. We have been a leader in the seed industry since 1974.

Our History

We've been in the seed business since 1974.

What We Offer

We offer seed for home, farm, ranch, range and reclamation projects.

Meet the Gang

We have the best employees in the world! We are proud of the work they do, and trust them to serve you!

Right: Company founder Lloyd and his wife Paula Stevens in a wildflower seed production field circa 1977

Quick Plant Facts
Common Name:

Inland Saltgrass

Scientific Name:

Old Scientific Name:

Lifespan:

Origin:

Plant Type:

pH Tolerance:

Seed Count

518,000 seeds/lb.

Growth Height:

Root Form

Sodformer

Sowing Rate

4-10 PLS lbs. per Acre

Min. Precipitation

8 Inches Minimum

Best Sowing Time

Late Spring or Summer

Max Sowing Depth:

Growth Season:

Sun & Shade Tolerance:

High Sun, Shade Intolerant

Plant PDF File

dist.pdf

Zone Map

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Hardiness Zones:

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