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Distichlis distichophylla

Australian salt-grass

Poaceae Southern Australia

Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Distichlis distichophylla is a low, salt-tolerant perennial grass that spreads by creeping rhizomes to form a dense, wiry turf 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall. The stiff, narrow leaves are arranged in two ranks along the stems, giving the foliage a flattened, comb-like look, and are grey-green and tough in texture. Small, straw-coloured flower spikelets form in summer; male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, so seed develops only where both occur. The grass grows in coastal saltmarsh, estuary margins, and saline flats across southern Australia, where it tolerates salt spray, brackish water, and periodic inundation that few other grasses survive. Its creeping rhizomes bind loose, saline soils and help stabilise low coastal ground. The same steady spread makes it hard to contain in a small garden, and its grey-green turf is grown more for function than for display. It suits coastal erosion control, saltmarsh restoration, and low-maintenance ground cover in saline or seaside settings.

Native Range

Distichlis distichophylla is native to southern Australia, including coastal Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and New South Wales. It grows in saltmarsh, estuarine flats, and saline depressions subject to tidal or brackish influence.

Suggested Uses

Used for coastal erosion control, saltmarsh and estuary restoration, and low-maintenance ground cover in saline or seaside gardens. Its salt tolerance and binding rhizomes suit foreshore stabilisation where other grasses fail. Steady rhizome spread limits its use in small or mixed garden beds.

How to Identify

Identify Australian salt-grass by its low, wiry habit and stiff narrow leaves arranged in two opposite ranks, giving a flattened, comb-like appearance. It spreads by creeping rhizomes into dense, grey-green turf in saline ground. Straw-coloured spikelets appear in summer on separate male and female plants, and its saltmarsh habitat separates it from common lawn and pasture grasses.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'

Width/Spread1' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Flowering occurs in summer, when straw-coloured spikelets form among the foliage. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, so only female plants set seed. The dried flowering stems persist into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand silt clay

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Distichlis distichophylla in full sun on sandy, silty, or clay soils, including saline and brackish ground, with a pH from about 6.0 to 8.5. It tolerates salt spray, periodic flooding, and drought once established, and grows in conditions that suit few other grasses. Water during establishment, after which it needs little care. Contain the rhizomes with an edging or barrier in mixed plantings, as the grass spreads steadily. Mow or slash occasionally to maintain a low, even turf.

Pruning

Mow or trim the turf occasionally through the growing season to maintain a low, even height. Cut back dried flowering stems in autumn. Remove rhizomes that spread beyond the intended area to keep the patch in bounds.