Saltgrass
Distichlis spicata · Poaceae
- Form
- Grass
- Height
- 4-16 in
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Moderate High
- Blooms
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Wetland, salt marsh edges, alkali flats
- Form / size: Low creeping grass, 4-16 in
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Moderate to high; salt tolerant
- Blooms: Late spring-fall · Pollinator value: Low
Description
A low, wiry, creeping grass that forms tough mats in salty or alkaline ground. Leaves are narrow, stiff, and often held in two ranks, giving patches a flattened, combed look.
Wildlife & pollinators
Provides low cover and seed/forage value for marsh and grassland wildlife. It also helps stabilize wet, salty soil.
Habitat & range
Salt marsh edges, brackish flats, alkali meadows, wet ditches, and saline disturbed ground across coastal and inland Southern California.
In the garden
Useful as a tough native groundcover for difficult salty or alkaline sites. It spreads by rhizomes, so use where a mat is welcome.
Propagation
By division, plugs, rhizome pieces, or seed. Plugs are the cleanest restoration method when fast cover is needed.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Bolsa Chica, Upper Newport Bay, Ballona Wetlands, San Elijo Lagoon, and inland alkali flats.
Problems
Spreading rhizomes are useful in restoration but too assertive for tiny garden pockets.
