Distichlis, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
saltgrass
Overview
Distichlis is a genus of about five species of low, rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, native chiefly to the Americas with a species in Australia. Plants spread by tough creeping rhizomes into wiry turf 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall, with stiff, two-ranked, grey-green leaves held along the stems. The grasses are dioecious, with male and female flower spikelets on separate plants in dense, pale, flattened clusters in summer. D. spicata, saltgrass, is widespread across coastal salt marsh, inland alkali flats, and roadside saline soils of North America. The genus tolerates extreme soil salinity, excreting salt through leaf glands and rooting in ground too salty for most plants. Spread is vigorous, and the dense rhizome mats can crowd out other low vegetation. D. palmeri produces an edible grain used historically in northwestern Mexico.
Native Range
Distichlis is native mainly to the Americas, from Canada through the United States and Mexico to South America, with one species in Australia. Plants grow in coastal salt marsh, estuaries, inland alkali flats, and other saline or alkaline ground.Suggested Uses
Used for salt marsh and coastal restoration, erosion control on saline banks, and stabilising alkali and roadside soils where other grasses fail. D. palmeri has been grown as a salt-tolerant grain crop.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Colors
Flower Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, when dense, pale, flattened spikelet clusters appear, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Seed ripens on female plants later in the season. As a wind-pollinated grass the flowers are inconspicuous.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale green to strawFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
