Distichlis, Genus, distichophylla, Species,
- Genus & species
Australian salt-grass
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 4'
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-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
