Alkali Sacaton
Common Name: Alkali Sacaton
Species Name: Sporobolus airoides
Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like
Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family
Tribe: Eragrostideae, Lovegrass Tribe
Examples of Alkali Sacaton Sporobolus airoides
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Native |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Season | Warm |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Western half from Washington, Montana and the Dakotas southward to Mexico |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Western Half |
ID Characteristics
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Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Large bunchgrass
- Sparse hairs at collar
- Hard, “woody” bleached base
Floral
- Large open, branched seedhead; can be half of plant height – awnless spikelets with only 1 floret each
-
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Plant Height: 35-85 centimeters
- Ligule Type: Ciliate-membranous
- Sheath: Glabrous
- Leaves: Basal
-
Floral Characteristics
- Inflorescence Type: Panicle
- Florets Per Spikelet: 1
- Glumes: Unequal
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Clay |
| Habitat | Soils that are alkaline or saline |
| Successional Stage | Mid to late |