Sporobolus wrightii (Giant Sacaton)

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Sporobolus wrightii

Giant Sacaton

Southwestern United States and Mexico — Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico, in desert grasslands and alkaline flats

At a Glance

TypeOrnamental grass

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height48-72 inches (120-180 cm)

Width48-60 inches (120-150 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 10

Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Sporobolus wrightii is giant sacaton — the largest native dropseed and a major large-bunch grass of the southwestern US, growing 48–72 inches (120–180 cm) tall and 48–60 inches (120–150 cm) wide. Named after Charles Wright, the Texas botanical collector. Gray-green narrow arching foliage forms a massive fountain — a southwestern native option for large-scale presence in landscape plantings. Large open airy golden panicles in late summer. Native to desert grasslands and alkaline flats of the southwestern US and Mexico — the species tolerates extreme heat, drought, alkaline soil, and poor ground. The 'sacaton' name is from the Spanish, meaning 'coarse grass'. Semi-evergreen in mild climates. The species historically covered vast areas of southwestern river valleys before overgrazing and water diversion eliminated much of its habitat. Hardy to zone 6.

Native Range

Sporobolus wrightii is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico — Texas, New Mexico, Arizona.

Suggested Uses

Used as a large-scale southwestern native specimen, screen, and Miscanthus alternative for arid climates. The largest native dropseed. Desert grassland restoration. Alkaline and drought specialist.

How to Identify

Identified by a massive (48–72 inches / 120–180 cm) gray-green arching fountain — the largest native Sporobolus. The massive scale and the southwestern desert-grassland origin are the combined signature. The native option for arid Southwest landscapes seeking Miscanthus-scale presence.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'

Width/Spread4' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

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Golden panicles from August through October. The massive gray-green fountain is the year-round presence.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Tan to golden, in large open airy panicles

Foliage Description

Gray-green, narrow, arching

Growing 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Frost Tolerance

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun. Any well-drained soil including alkaline. Extremely drought-tolerant. Cut to 12 inches in late winter. Hardy to zone 6.

Pruning

Stems can be left standing through winter. Cut to 12 inches in late February–March.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic