How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
 
Common Name: Alkali Sacaton
Scientific Name: Sporobolus airoides
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Erosion control
~Wildlife habitat restoration
~Rangeland
Height: 1 1/2 - 3 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Warm
Soil Types: Deep, moist, loamy to clay textures
Tolerances: Salt and alkali
Sun or Shade: Sun
Minimum Precipitation: 7 – 8 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 2 - 5 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 1,750,000 seeds per lbs
Optimal Planting Season: Summer
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Category: Grass
 
Description:
Alkali Sacaton is a drought-tolerant, warm-season bunchgrass that primarily reproduces through tillering. It exhibits adaptability to a wide range of soil textures, with its optimal growth occurring on deep, moist soils that may occasionally experience flooding or sub-irrigation. These favorable conditions include loamy to clay textures. Alkali Sacaton displays an impressive tolerance to salt and alkali in its environment.
 
In terms of its value as forage, Alkali Sacaton is considered fair, with its most palatable stage being in late spring and early summer. It is particularly useful for erosion control, rangeland improvement, and wildlife habitat enhancement projects when planted on suitable sites. The minimum precipitation requirement for this grass is approximately 7 to 8 inches, indicating its ability to thrive in semi-arid to arid regions.
 
Resources:
NRCS Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SPAI
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_spai.pdf
NRCS Fact Sheet: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_spai.pdf
 
Photo Credits: Andrey Zharkikh and Jim Morefield