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Common Name: Alkali Sacaton

Species Name: Sporobolus airoides

Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like

Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family

Tribe: Eragrostideae, Lovegrass Tribe

 

 

 

 

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

  • 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

 

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